How to deal with first time nursery-goer?

[samanthajonespr]

My almost 2 year old son is starting nursery for the very first time tomorrow, 3 half sessions a week. I'm really nervous and worried about it because I've never done this before. He's my first and only child and I've been a SAHP with him the whole time so my anxiety is flaring up. He's very shy and I'm really worried that he won't settle. Does anybody have any tips to make the transition a bit smoother? Any experiences welcome

It can be so hard at first. Mine went at 11 months and would scream every morning. I'd drive to work in tears (for weeks) and seriously considered resigning. I just wanted to snatch her back each morning and take her home. The settling period was difficult but I'm so glad I persevered. She just turned 2 and she absolutely loves nursery now. When I collect her at lunchtime she says 'more nursery time' as we leave!
It can be terribly heartwrenching but think it has really benefited my dd in many ways and she really enjoys it now. Good luck

Has your nursery offered you settling in sessions? Mine did about three of these and it helped was my anxiety a little as apart from me and dh, nobody had ever looked after her before.

Nursery worker here!!
First and main thing is I'm not sure what your nursery's suggestions on you leaving are, but At my Nursery we always encourage parents at drop off to say goodbye to their child, give them a kiss and tell them they'll be back soon, then leave calmly and quietly. Although we appreciate this can be very upsetting for most parents and sometimes the children! But the alternative is they get distracted and you slip out, then them turning round to find out you've disappeared into thin air which more often than not is very distressing for the child!!

Try to talk to your LO as much as possible about Nursery in day to day life and at home, being as positive as you can. This includes things that are enjoyed at home, or things that your DS likes doing - e.g "you like playing in the garden don't you? You can play outside lots at Nursery they have a lovely garden don't they?' Etc etc.

I know it's hard, but please try not to worry too much when you're not there! He might likely be a bit upset when you leave, but if the Nursery allows it (which I'm sure they do most do!) call throughout the day to get updates to put your mind at rest - you'll probably find that they come back with 'yes he settled 5/10 mins after you left and is happy playing atm!'

I hope he has a lovely first day and it's not too hard for you

Thank you for your encouraging replies. I think we're having settling in sessions, they were mentioned. They hit you with so much info!!
I think the thing I'm most worried about is if I go to leave and he's upset, I can see following through with the goodbye being very hard. Hopefully they'll be able to distract him. We're going for 9 so I think I'll be a bit less calm in an hours time! I just keep looking at him and thinking "weren't you a baby just a few seconds ago?!"

The most important thing is that you need to hide all your anxiety. Be confident and breezy and see this as an entirely positive adventure and your child will sense that. If you’re anxious your child will sense that.