DS 1st time at nursery

[Rollypops]

Hello all,
My 2.5 year old DS has started nursery this week, he's had a few settling in sessions, some with us and some on his own. Today he got so upset when we dropped him off. I rang an hour later to see how he was (trying not to be the OTT parent 🙈) I could hear him crying in the background. It breaks my heart to see him so upset. I just wish we had enough money to keep him with us (said every parent probably) it doesn't feel right sending him off with strangers 😭

Parents to parents, does this get easier? All I want to do is look after him myself. This crazy world we live in at the moment is scary, whilst I know I can't wrap him up in cotton wool, I just want to keep him safe. Sorry for the rant xx

It's harder because he's much older. He will settle but it takes time. Make sure you are calm x

If he's starting at 2.5 years have you been a sahp until now? Could you get different work that alternates shifts with your partner? By the time he starts school he'll be older and more able to cope.

Mine went when he was 14 months old. He cried at first but then got better with each passing week. Every now and then he has a wobble about going in(hes three now). Tbh it still upsets me when he's upset. But he needs to go in for me to go to work. It's just hard when you know they want you but you need to walk away and leave them.

It does get easier but it's going to take some time as your child is a lot older than most that start nursery.

That's so hard OP. It will be really good for him, he will hopefully love it soon. I work in a nursery and the children have so much fun, it's a place full of joy. Those tears are not just for missing you but tears of experiencing change and overwhelm too. It will get easier, fingers crossed he will settle soon.

It's shit OP. Mine loved it when he started at 2, has been so happy and now at 3 cries and wants to be with me. It's truly heartbreaking. I hope your little boy settles in soon

Isn't that just delaying the inevitable? He will be getting the free hours soon. It will be even worse at three.

My son has just started too. He is the same age as you. Two mornings a week. He has cried at both settling in sessions that I have left him. I am doing it though as he has delayed speech and I don't want him getting further behind. I am sure he will realise it is fun at some point!

No, not really. His language and ability to communicate will be much better, as will his ability to understand his emotions. He'll be much more able to cope socially and emotionally.

It’s early days, sounds very normal. Just needs more time and to persevere

@Rollypops Stick with it OP. Mine was like yours and started later (mine was 3) and I’d say it took about 7 weeks for him to be settled. Be consistent and be as calm as you can (I know it’s hard when he’s upset!). He’ll get there and I promise it’ll do him the world of good. Mine has come out of his shell so much since he started!