Nursery woes!!

[becaroo]

My son - aged 3 - started nursery this week for 2.5 hours each morning. The first 2 days he was ok when I left him but was very upset during the morning and kept crying for me and then started crying when he saw me at pick up time. He was fine after about a minute though. This morning however, he was crying before we left the house! He was very clingy and wouldnt let me go. In the end I had to hand him to the teacher and leave. I have spent most of the morning sobbing and am feeling very low. When I picked him up he cried and said "mummy I wanted you!!" Is this normal ?? I expecetd some crying when I left, but when I pick him up!!?? All the other kids run to their mums smiling and Tom just sobs. What am I doing wrong? Advice needed please.....am dreading monday.

my son was like this too, it took a while but eventually he did settle. it makes you feel so bad

Mine would be fine when they went in and then cry because they had to come home (that makes you feel bad too).

They're now older and v.happpy kids, if that helps.

I can't believe how I reacted this morning.... sobbing, snot , the works! It was one of the hardest things I have had to do so far. Thanks for the messages, it is a comfort to know Tom is not the only one.

It must be horrible Would it be possible for you to spend some time in the nursery with him? He can get to know his surroundings and the faces around him whilst you're there and you get to see how the staff deal with the children. This hopefeully will be reassuring for you to know he is being well cared for and comforted when you leave.

I was wondering about trying that but I think in the long run it would be worse for Tom. He would expect me to stay all the time every time. Also I would be the only one !! None of the other mothers seem too upset but I am not sleeping and feeling sick about monday already (deeply pathetic behaviour which is maddening me). How long will it go on? Will I have this every morning? Because I have to be honest, I really dont think I can do it. HELP !

the thing i found that worked was just to leave him, i had to walk away while the staff held onto him. it was awful, but little by little he did eventually wave and kiss me goodbye. it's awful but the staff said he settled in really quickly after i'd gone. it takes time, and patience but he will settle in. i hope i haven't made you worry more, but that's my experience. good luck and remember he will like it!

the crying when you pick him up is a sign of relief that your back. It is a huge change for a little one but give it time and try to be strong. He will settle and make friends and it will become his daily routine. It does get better.

Thanks for all the messages...today was slightly better in that he didnt cling to me. As we left the house he insisted that I fill his pockets with tisuues. When I asked him why he said "to wipe my eyes when I cry, mummy" He did cry when I left but not too bad and didnt cry when I picked him up! The teacher said that he had cried but was better than last week. So I'll just keep perservering but, god, it is hard ! When does being a mummy get easier????