How to approach settling in session

[WeAreStars]

Hi all, my three year old will soon be attending her second setting in session at the nursery she's going to in September. At the first I stayed with her and she really enjoyed it but at this one they want me to leave her for an hour. She is very clingy at the best of times so I know this is going to be really hard for her, I just wondered if anyone has any tips to make the parting a little easier? In particular I'm wondering if it would be better to let her know in advance that I'll be leaving her for a short while so that she has time to get used to the idea, or would that make her more anxious? Should I not tell her and then just say goodbye when we get to the door? She's not been to a nursery before and I just don't know how to best approach it. Advice most welcome!

Telling her in advance is best I think. You could say you'll just be next door/upstairs whatever doing some paperwork to help the nursery staff get to know her - bit of a white lie. Keep it brief, kiss, see you soon etc. She could take her favourite book or toy to start a conversation with the staff. Good luck

I think you need to tell her. Does she understand that she's starting in September?

How about playing nurseries with her toys? Where their parents drop them off, they have lots of fun, and then the parents pick them up?

My children were always much calmer if they knew exactly what to expect.

Give her your hankie (or whatever) and ask her to look after it for you until you come back. She'll know you're coming back then.

Thanks for all your tips, I used all of them. I've just left her and it went really well, no tears! Happy mummy