How did you do it

[webster1987]

My DS1 is due to start nursery 3 days a week from next week after my 15 months on maternity comes to an end. To say I'm dreading it is an understatement! His settling in sessions have been mixed, he's had 4 so far and for two of those he had a nap and was reportedly ok. The first one and the one this afternoon was awful. He has basically been there for 2 hours and cried the whole time. Literally breaks my heart. The idea that he will be there for 8 hours come Tuesday, just feels impossible.

Hoping people can give me their experiences and give me some hope that it will all work out!

I was an emotional mess when putting my then 12 months old DS to nursery full time as I was going back to work. He was a velcro baby, pretty much attached to my hip for the whole 12 months. First time I dropped him off I cried in the car. It took him about 2 weeks to settle in, and now he absolutely loves it. They do so much with him, messy play etc, and interacting with his peers has done wonders for his social skills.

Yes, your little one will protest the only way they know how - crying, but they do settle and have a great time. I was writing a similar post when my DS (now 2.5yo) was starting nursery. It really does get easier for both of you, promise. Brace yourself for nursery grade bugs though, DS was picking up everything going for first few months.

Thank you so much, it's a relief to hear that despite a difficult start, it does get better!

I'm a childminder I do about 4 visits with family there before an initial half hour then build up at parents and lo's pace we all build a relationship and work as a team. Through all settling I send photos to reassure everyone via WhatsApp group then when care starts properly photos as I can through the day.