Toddler claims to hate nursery. Is he being a toddler, or is it genuine?

[Astronaut79]

Ok, the full story.

Ds (2.4) began nursery at 11 months, 3 days a week, 8-4. He could be a little clingy, but then pretty much got on with it and loved the baby room.

Moved to the next room up at 20 months and never really got to grips with it - used to cry when I left him, but was fine after.

I went on mat leave in october, but kept him in until xmas. Pulled him out due to maths - £70 for 2 days nursery is v expensive on mat. Started new nursery in community centre in January. He's only there twice a week from 930-12 but cries when I leave him and, when questioned, tells me he doesn't like it but can't tell me why. The women running it say he's fine after, but he whined all the walk there today: "want mummy's house!"

Anyone else had this? Was it genuine or was toddler trying to guilt trip you?

I know its difficult but they know at this age how to pull your heartstrings and he hasn't been there that long. He's also having to deal with a new sibling. I think most children would prefer to stay at home if they had the choice.

My DDs key person took photos and a short video of her having a great time in the sand tray and this helped me to see she really was okay at nursery. She also called me within 10 minutes of me leaving that my DD was fine and off playing. Unfortunately it took almost 5 weeks for mine to stop crying at the door so I do feel for you.

My DD is 2.5 and has been at nursery since she was 11 months. In all that time, she has screamed blue murder every time I have dropped her off (is fine if daddy does it).

But once out of sight, she's fine, has a whale of a time and doesn't want to come home, talks about what she's done the whole way home.

And then, next morning, we have the big old fuss all over again.

If daddy takes her to nursery she has her hissy fit at the front door as she leaves me.

At this rate he'll just settle in and it'll be time to uproot him and go back to his old nursery!

I agree that the new baby could have something to do with it - can't imagine how it must feel being left somewhere (with toys and other kids , while your adored mother leaves with the interloper. This is going to sound awful, but it didn't bother me as much when he was just crying/whinging, it's the fact that he seems to have clearly thought about the fact that he doesn't like nursery and can tell me that - even days after he's been.

Oh well, at least school should be a doddle!

Hmm, DD1 always said she hated (daycare) nursery from 2ish until she left last November at nearly 4. She always cried going in and was very clingy. The day she left, she ran out almost doing cartwheels. They had offered to keep her place for the free hours if I wanted them but she was adamant that she didn't want to go back, even though her best friend in the world still goes there. However, she absolutely adores pre-school and is a different child going in there.

With hindsight I should have taken her out of that nursery but you just amble along, don't you...