Is this normal for first day at nursery?

[SapphireSunday]

Just picked my daughter up from her first morning at nursery. She is 16 months. There were a few tears and clinging at pick up and drop off but mainly ok.

Her keyworker mentioned she was quite quiet and observed the other children rather than joining in - this came as a surprise to me as she is usually really keen to interact with others when we’ve been to playgroups and soft play.

Is this normal, will she start to join in eventually? I hate the thought of her sitting there on her own while the others play 💔

Yes it’s really normal. My DS was the same- it’s a new environment and she’s taking it all in. Try not to worry- although I say that when I was in tears for the first few weeks as I was so worried, like you, that he was on his own

Totally normal! She'll just be getting used to her new surroundings - don't forget at playgroups/soft play you're there too so she'll feel more confident. She just needs time to settle in, think about the last time you had a first day at a new job/hobby - did you feel a bit less confident then? It's just the same for her.

My DD is also 16m and has been going to nursery since September so I do know how you feel - I still worry that she's there playing on her own even though her key worker has said she does interact with others more now.

Perfectly normal behaviour. She will join in when she feels more confident to do it,

please don’t worry.

Even as adults a completely new place (new job, meeting partners family, moving house) can be completely overwhelming. Completely normal to be a bit subdued.

Normal.

She will do the same at her first one/two birthday parties.

Sounds like my son, he barely spoke and didn't join in for quite a while when he was new to nursery. Was very outspoken and boisterous at home.
She will come out of her shell.

Thank you everyone x