First time at toddler group?!

[Anon91]

Hi guys,

So, tomorrow me and my 2/12 year old DD are attending a toddler group for the first time and I am nervous!

DD has a speech delay and she is very shy, so I'm worried it's going to be a complete disaster where she either is glued to the back of my leg, or, she has a meltdown.

Can anyone share any positive experiences with me/calm me down a bit .

TIA

My main tip would be to get there early. The one we went to got very busy and my DC were always much more settled if they were one of the first in the ripoom rather than walking into the room once it had become very busy and noisy.

Even if she does cling to your leg, it won’t be a disaster. She will learn to relax and will see how you behave with different people

Getting there early can help, but don't worry whatever happens you and DD will be fine and made welcome I'm sure. DS has similar problems and spent the first year hiding his face in my armpit but eventually curiosity got the better of him so he got brave and started to investigate! Just let DD be however she wants to be - not all kids, inc mine - are confident enough to cope with new people straight off, and it doesn't matter in the slightest how long it takes her to thaw out /not bawl! Hope it goes well x

Even if she does cling to you, it won't make it a disaster
Go, smile at people, and you might make some friends yourself, or you might not. She might enjoy playing with something she doesn't at home, or she might not, but it is a good time to start introducing her to lots of new experiences
Don't feel it is a 'disaster' if she doesn't want to join in the first time you go - just the first step on a journey.

Thank you so much you lovely ladies, great advice! I’ve just now realised how highly strung I am haha

DD1 was never one for playing with other kids at these groups, but I took her anyway as it got me out of the house and meant I didn’t have to feel guilty about not doing any messy play at home .

DD2 is also generally not that interested in other kids, but I get to have a good chat with some other mums I know and she gets a biscuit so everyone’s happy!

Don’t expect too much and just see how it goes, if you don’t enjoy it you’ve not lost anything.

We went to toddler group for the first time today. I sat on the floor with DS with something I knew would interest him. He happily played with one hand while his other hand was firmly gripped on my jumper. Many of the other Mums were having tea/coffee and chatting but the main thing is that I found something for DS to engage with.

PS - a couple of kids did have meltdowns and nobody batted an eyelid

There will be at least one other parent there who completely understands! As long as your kid isn't the one lamping other kids with the toy digger, anything goes.

Some brilliant tips and reassurance here, very interested as I also have a 2 1/2 year old who hasn't mixed with many kids as looked after by grandparents when I've been at work. Have just given birth to second daughter so will be looking to go to toddler groups while on maternity leave and have exactly the same worries. Hope it went ok anon91 let us know