Mixed emotions about preschool

[louisejanep]

my little girl turned 3 in July and its her second day at pre-school today. I'm feeling really guilty that she's too young to go,shes doing 3 days 9-3 and I'm worried its too much for her at this age.

She wouldnt eat her packed lunch at dinner time and told the teacher she only likes eating her lunch with mummy at home. I'm worried she's going to be hungry all day!

She was really excited about going to preschool yesterday but seemed a little more hesistant today. I am thinking if shes not eating to reduce her days, maybe 3 days is too much for her? You cant win as a parent can you always feeling guilty regardless of what bests to do. I really have mixed feelings about her going. Does anyone else have similiar or complete opposite thoughts?

My DD was also 3 in July and has just started doing 2.5 days a week. However she has been going to the pre school since she turned 2 (we paid for 2 mornings a week for the past year, 9-12) so she is already familiar with the setting.
If she’s always been at home with you then it’s a big transition for her. Does she need to be in for 3 days? Could you maybe drop to 2 then look at increasing again after Christmas?
A bit of initial reluctance to go in is very normal. She’ll adapt quickly and make friends, and will soon be too hungry to not eat her packed lunch!

She's been doing 2 mornings a week also at the same setting but in a different room now with a uniform! It probably is just the leap from a morning to a full day. I might try and drop to 2 if I feel shes not settling. Her friend who she is literally joined at the hip with doesnt start till monday so im hoping once she's there (shes never done a day without her) she will start eating lunch and settle quickly. She's probably really enjoying herself while im a bag of nerves!

I'd give it a bit longer while she's still settling in, unless she's really unhappy. She might perk up when her friend starts.

They take a little while to settle with a new room and new staff. For age three I’d say give it to half term. By then she should be happy and enjoy going :). If not then take a deeper look into why.