Feel like the worst parent ever.

[QuilliamCakespeare]

DS has his first settle at nursery today. He's an absolute Velcro baby and goes batshit crazy when I leave the room. One of the ladies there held him yesterday while I dropped his older brother off and he bawled even though I was standing next to him. He's very adventurous and loves exploring... but only really if I'm nearby. I'm going back to work in the new year so it's necessary to settle him if I want to work. I've loved my year off but I need to get back to earning and having something back of myself. Logically it's the right decision but seeing his little face screw up then start sobbing floors me. Help me feel less like the worst parent ever, please!

I also consoled myself knowing she was with someone who knew what they were doing and has been through 1000 children like yours! Just imagine all of the fun things he'll be doing. For example, last week my DD went to the farm, soft play and swimming - there's no way I would have done all of that with her and she gets to socialise with other children !

Can DH do a few nursery settle sessions. Your DS may react differently to him?

@educatingarti DH is taking my first week back at work off so he can do the nursery run/ pick up early if DS is struggling. Mostly it'll be me though because I'm working so close by.

Comments like "Do you have to go back to work?" are not helpful in this situation!

Why? I'm a few months further down the line from OP. I put DD in nursery from 6months and she was fine. I thought about it when DS was 13m but he's clingy af. I don't have to go back right now. It would be useful! We'd like the cash and my brain is mush but I don't have to so I'm waiting a few more months. OP has said in reply that she doesn't have to either. It was a valid question. Not intended to guilt trip. I've done it both ways.

He survived!

Bit tearful on and off for 40 mins but cheered up after that. Played and ate all his lunch. I'm celebrating with a gin tonight!

Yay!

You're doing the right thing op. If you don't go through this now it'll happen when they start school no doubt.
Me and a few girls at work all returned from mat leave this time last year and all of our babies were between 10-13 months. Every single one cried every morning that we left them for at least a week or 2, but honestly it doesn't last. A year on and all of our kids absolutely love their nurseries and their friends that they've made . My ds who is nearly 2 asks every morning if he's going! And gets sad when I say no. If someone told me this would happen during those first few weeks I'd have never believed them.
Honestly it will get better :-)

Its so hard isn't it. My dd was/is a velcro baby/toddler (2.5 now) and at the age of 1 i went back to work 3 days and we put her in a nanny share. It worked really nicely for us as the other little girl was the same age. Bit more pricey than nursery although she got 2:1 care.

I put her into nursery in October thinking she needed more socialising but terrified she'd hate it. Honestly thr settling in bit was the worst as i was sort of there and sort of not.. as soon as she was there a week she was fine. Absolutely loves it actually. She definitely needed a solid chunk of time away to get the confidence to explore and become more independent. You'll be surprised how quickly and well your dc settles into the new normal. Good luck!

P.s. maybe call the nursery street 20 mins or so to check how he is. I did that on a few days when handover was tricky and within 10 minutes she was happily playing with others.