Panicking about DD's trial day at nursery today. Please calm me down.

[snufflehuff]

This is the first time she's been left with someone other than me or grandparents. I feel like she'll be distraught. Am I doing the right thing sending her? She doesn't need to go to a nursery. I only work one day a week and can get free childcare from grandparents.

I've never met a child who doesn't enjoy nursery. The first few sessions may be a bit rocky but overall I think nursery is v good for children - lots of interesting activities, opportunities for socialisation, and it challenges their immune systems. I'm sure it will be fine.

You will have many moments for the next 18(+) yrs where you have to let them go and cope themselves. Nursery is a very soft start and will be good for her. She will probably surprise you and not miss you at all because she knows you’re there when it matters. I always feel so proud seeing my little ones heading into their own lives. That’s my job, to help them stand on their own two feet. Not to keep them protected in my shadow.

She’ll love it. New toys, games, songs, friends. I found it better to do two sessions a week though.they settle in quicker.

You're completely going to be fine, and so is she. How old is she?

For settling-in sessions usually they start with a couple of hours, then progress slowly to full sessions - what will be happening with you? Rest assured that they won't expect you to drop her and run. You'll probably be able to stay with her a while for the first time. The staff will pay extra attention to her and make sure she feels safe.

It can be rocky. I'm a preschool teacher and have known children to cry every time they're dropped off for months - but as soon as their parent has left, they're absolutely fine. You don't say how old she is so we may be talking very different age groups. My workplace will always call 30-60 minutes after dropoff if the child was very distressed at being left, to reassure the parent that they're fine, which they almost always are. You can always request that if she absolutely will not calm, that you're called to come and get her. That's easily accommodated during her settling-in period.

She will get so much out of nursery, I promise. It's very difficult to leave her, but she will love it and it will absolutely benefit her.