3 year old crying in nursery

[Everestisthebest]

My 3.5 old DD has just started going to playschool 5 mornings a week, 9-1.15. She has been crying at drop off, upset at nighttime saying she doesnt want to go in , says she misses me and crying whilst she is in there aswell (not sure how long for but she tells me herself). She seems okay when she comes out, will tell me about different things she has done..she is quite shy and don't know if she is mixing yet with other children. Her older sister has just started in the big school right beside it and she misses her also. Any thoughts on how to approach this. Have been giving her treats and rewards for going but she's still very upset

My DD started preschool in April. Just two mornings a week. It was awful to start, the staff literally had to peel her off me. We kept at it and she gradually built up her confidence. It started off with her crying less and less at drop off (after 3/4 weeks) to now she’s going full time. She absolutely loves it.

I literally spent months worrying how she was going to be as she’s was so nervous about new surroundings but she’s done it and I’m sure your DD will get used to it! X

There are some things you can do. If she has a little pocket you could put something like a little teddy in there that she can take out? Some people draw a heart in pen on both of your wrists then touch them together in the morning.

Have you spoken to the Nursery about your concerns to see if she is crying there or if she’s happily joining in?

We were told that it generally takes children about 3-4 weeks to settle into nursery. Agree with the suggestion for her to bring a beloved teddy/ toy with her for an added comfort during the day. It gets to the point where kids want to go on Saturdays and Sundays 😅

What are staff saying? Do you believe a 3 year old to recall everything accurately?

My DD2 never settled at drop off but she was ok after a minute or so but we moved to a different nursery. Drop off was just too awful.

It was a very strange thing. DD1 had started school and had a uniform. DD2 didn’t for nursery. We then chose a nursery at a prep school - with a uniform. DD2 Never cried again - it was big school in her eyes. I had endured months of tantrums and clinging. Staff didn’t even bother to help in the end. I used to leave her banging on the door to come out with me. The change in her was unbelievable. Dc are not always suited to a nursery it seems.