My almost 4 year old has never been looked after by anyone but me or dh or twice by my mother - that's just the way it has worked out. Next week he will start going to pre-school for two sessions in preparation for full-time next summer. We've often talked about it (he and I) and he's definitely ready from a social point of view but today when I described what will happen: we'll put your lunch on the shelf, you'll go into the classroom and your teachers will be there, and you'll be playing with the other boys & girls and mummy will say goodbye....He looked at me, smiled and said NO! I don't want you to leave me there. I didn't make much of that and changed the subject but my heart is in my boots. My older child went to the same pre-school and bawled every time. I would have to pry her little fingers from my legs and run - she was always happy when I came for her at home time but I dreaded every session. Eventually she went to a different school (not an option for ds) where the teachers were more proactive in getting the kids settled in and she has been fine ever since.
Have any of you any tips for avoiding the screaming and crying that I had with dd?? I feel that if day 1 (and 2 and 3!) go well then he'll be fine but that if he cries on day one then we're doomed for the rest of pre-school. Am sick at the thought of going through the same as I did with dd. Help!!