Tips wanted on calming my nerves for tomorrow.

[tortoise]

Im starting at a parenting group tomorrow and i know when i get up in the morning im going to feel sick and probably be on the loo many times.(sorry tmi!)I have to get dd1 and dd2 ready to come with me and have to put their car seats in a taxi.Is their anything i can do to stay calmer? Im not good in groups talking.Thats partly the reason for going,to build my confidence.
tia.

have a milky drink and bath before bed tonight to aid a good sleep - dont have any type of stimulant in the morning i.e. steer clear of coffe and have a camomile tea or something instead, also have all the kids stuff laid out tonight so you dont have to rush too much in morning. Finally - tell yourself that you can do it and believe it, people are usually really welcoming at these things and you will probably enjoy it after the initial nerves! Good luck and well done for doing this btw!

It's a bit late now but for next time get in some Bach's Rescue Remedy and some Imodium (for the upset tum). Tell yourself that everyone - even the most confident appearing person - feels nervous about going into a new situation for the first time. Taking kids - and people having their kids there - gives you the perfect ice-breaker - you say "which is yours? How old is s/he? Awww..s/he's lovely..." Be brave - if you get a lukewarm reception from one person, don't be deterred - move on to another. Smile. Play with your kids - that's an easy way to get a conversation going with other Mums with their kids, because you're doing something - and can talk sideways, not formally face-on, iyswim.

Good luck - it is nerve-wracking but, like most things, the more you do it the easier it gets. Try and have fun.

If you think someone is intimidating just imagine them sat on the loo!!! Also if you smile you will feel more confident

Thanks i will try.Got 12 wks of it so will get the rescue remedy ready for next week.

i have always founf it easier being somewhere when you have kids..they kind of break the ice..you dont really have to start chatting chances are someone will say hi and start a little convo with you..nothing heavy, so dont panic..talk about your most knowledgable subject..your kids then you wont feel pressure of thinking of 'interesting' things to say cos you know you could ream on all day about what little ones do!

good luck, and enjoy yourself, once youve done it, youll feel a lot better

Well done for making yourself do it x

Get everything you need ready this evening, lo's clothes, nappies if needed, pack your bag with snacks, drinks, etc.

Get your stuff ready and wear your favourite outfit so you feel good about yourself.

I'd try to get it all done when they're not under your feet so you're not panicking (I've got a day out with my 3 tomorrow and I'm busy doing the same!)

in the morning, keep telling yourself what a great opportunity this is for you, you'll be meeting other people with kids who understand what its like for you.

Tell yourself you won't be stuck in the house so the kids cant make a mess there - less housework, always a bonus!

How old are your lo's? If appropriate, about an hour before you're due to go, tell the kids you'll all be going out soon. Explain what you want them to do, help you tidy up, get their coats. Say you need them to be good while you get the car seats in the taxi. Have their coats on ready and make a game of looking out of the window for the taxi. Who can see it first? What colour do they think it will be? Will it be a man or a woman driving etc? Involve them in getting ready so they're looking forward to it too.

I hate it if I have to get in a taxi with my lot, so just put a big smile on your face (even if you don't feel like it) and ask the driver for help if you need it.

Keep your big smile on your face when you arrive. Ask people simple questions, "where do you live? How many kids/how old etc?" Most people launch into conversation then and do the talking.

I've waffled on quite a lot and don't know how much will help but hope you have a great time tomorrow. Post again and let us know how it goes?

Good luck!!

thanks lact8. i will get everything ready.dd1 and dd2 are 2.11 and 1.9.

Hi tortoise, how did it go today?

hi how was it?

Hi.thanks for asking.Was just thinking i ought to do msg!

Went ok.As predicted had funny tum all morning until i was picked up at 9.15!
Car that picked up me and dd's broke down almost outside my gate as we tryed to pull away.Had to wait for her hubby to bring the other car.Then swap the car seats into his car.So got there 15 mins late so missed some intro's.
Everyone really friendly.So hope i will be less nervous next week.Bought some rescue remedy spray ready for next time!
Got big book to read over the course which will be interesting.And homework!

Oh and the kids were in a creche and had loads of fun! dd2 never been left with strangers.dd1 at playschool so used to being left.They were fine.

Well done tortoise, didn't realise 9.15am start!! I've been wondering all day how it was going for you, I'm so glad its gone well (ignoring the car incident! )

And you've got the worst bit out of the way now, the 1st time is always the most nervewracking.

How long is the course for?

thats great, you sound much more positive already..good on yer

thats great, you sound much more positive already..good on yer

Its a 12 week course.Every tuesday except half term.Was glad i wasn't the only one with 4 dc!Definatly glad to get the first session out the way.

well..well done..espcially when taxi broke down and you managed to keep everything together..id have been flapping like a chicken!