My DS best friend leaving nursery…what to do?

[bananainpjs]

I posted this in the parenting forum but don’t know if it’s better suited here.

I am so sad.

My 3 year old has a best friend from nursery that hes been close to since he was 1 and a half. There were the 3 of them who were close but the other boy left to move to wales a year ago so its always been them two together since. He talks about him all the time. If I asks who he plays with, he says his name and no one else. If I give him mini gingerbread men, he says one is him and one is his best friends name etc etc

However I ran into his mummy in the car park who asked me for my number so we can keep in touch and if I was going to the leavers party. I said which one? My son is here for another year. She was like oh I thought they were the same age. I assumed that too because they would transition to every room together at the same time. But we came to realise that her son is one of the youngest and my son is September born so that’s probably why.

I am so sad because I thought my son had another year with him yet (they won’t be attending the same school as the nursery is near my work place). His other friends that he talks about are also leaving for school but I assumed he had his best friend at least. I don’t know what to do, I was so shocked that I went quiet and forgot to give her my number which I hope didn’t come across rude (she didn’t press for it she just said to open the conversation).
Is it worth giving my number? If he sees his best friend, he might wonder why he isn’t at pre-school with him? I don’t know if he’ll understand and might get sad by it?

Part of me wish I never knew and just found out in September that he was no longer there as now its like a countdown.

I don’t know what to do and how ‘prepare’ myself. Is it worth talking to his key worker? All the nursery staff mention how close they are and how they are always together.

Why don’t you just email the nursery and ask them to pass on your number.

I really wouldn’t worry too much though; is he your first? 3 is very young and he’ll probably forget about it in a few weeks. It’s also good for him to find new friends too- he’ll have to do this at school.

i don’t think that you need to do anything to prepare yourself. Just discuss it with you’re little boy and start asking about new friends etc.

Definitely pass on your number! My son was in the same position 3 years ago, now his group of 4, who are at 4 different schools across 2 year groups, are still best friends and see each other regularly.

My son also has a best friend. Does the same I played with x, I share with x, I sleep next to x ect.

When she was off sick with covid he went and found other kids to play with. They do adapt and if he is settled in the nursery he will know other kids in the room and will develop closer friendships.

Also definitely pass on your number they will be delighted to see each other even just in holidays/ weekends ect

Same happened to my Dd I felt so sad for her, but after a few days she was playing with other children.
about 8 months later I saw a picture of her friend in the paper and showed my dd and she had no idea who it was and couldn’t remember her

My DD left her nursery at age 3 after making some lovely friends. We keep in touch with her best friend and she asks for play dates pretty often with him. The others not so much. She's made loads of new friends at her new preschool so I wouldn't worry.

I'd pass on your number for sure, I'm really happy I'm in contact with the mum.