Dd feaking out about return to nursery today!

[twinklylights]

Dd2 age 3.4 started nursery for 2 afternoons a week in September and was never really what you would call a fan of it. At the end of last term she was ill and it dragged on for 3 weeks,so obv no nursery and now we have had Christmas hols and its been lovely etc she is really in a lather about going this afternoon and the only way I can convince her to go is to stay with her ofr the whole time! She is going through a very clingy stage anyway but its made worse by the fact we have no family imput (grandparents,uncles, aunts) and its just her and me most of the time.Any ideas? TIA

Absolutely normal for a child to be reluctant to return after a nice holiday. My ds (7) was a nightmare on Monday - school is rubbish, I don't want to go, tears and tantrums etc - but he had a great day and came home full of all the lovely things he'd done. He could hardly remember what he'd been like in the morning.

I've never had any family help on hand either - and now we finally live near the gps they are too old and frail to be any help in that department. Most people get support from their friends locally. If you don't already know the other parents at your child's nursery, get networking now, that's what I suggest.

Just got back after having to spend the entire session during which she cried non-stop. It was absolutely horrible.Its going to be very difficult even getting her there tomorrow especially as the assistants have told me its better just to leave quickly even if it means wrenching her away from me!

Does she need to go? If she has to because you're working, then I think a brisk hug and goodbye then go is best - if heartbreaking. If she doesn't have to go, then why take her?

You do have a point I guess(no Im not working) and it has crossed my mind after today but before she was ill although she may grumble a bit before we got there, she was ok to be left.I think she could gain from the experience in theory,learn how to socialise with other children and give me a little bit of space also.Im also concerned that if she stops going now it could be difficult when we try again or go to school.

I'm not sure about this "if she doesn't go to nursery, she'll find it difficult to go to school" thing. I think she'll be a whole year older and a completely different person, and if she doesn't need to go because you work or you need some space to preserve your sanity, I'd just enjoy the time you've got together - she'll be in full time school beforfe you can blink anyway! There are lots of socializing things you can do together - she really doesn't need to go to nursery!