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SN children

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Original poster

She start pre-school on Monday - deep breaths all round!!

66 replies

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 09:57

I know it'll be fine, of course it will but she's just so small and defenceless

She was 2 a week before Christmas and I've decided to get her into a pre-school now because I really want her to be interacting with her peers more. Then when she starts at the Montessori school in September she'll be used to being around lots of other children etc. I just think she's needs to be practising her social skills with other children more and it could really help her development etc etc, (this is me justifying why I?m doing this now when I?m not sure if she?s really ready for it)

It's just that she still looks like such a little diddy doll, she?s so small! It's because she's not standing unless you force her to and only then fully supported by your legs or a table. She can't get down off a chair and get away from anyone if she wants to. She'll be fully dependent on the teachers, unable to ask properly for anything, tell them what?s just upset her or remove herself from an overly boisterous child

I know she has to deal with it and so do I, and I know it'll all be fine eventually and it's all for the best and all that. I just feel REALLY nervous and protective and a bit lump in the throatish iykwim!

Have decided to just take her in then leave straight away and wait outside with mobile in hand waiting for the call to say ?come and get her she?s really had enough?!

That's it really, just needed to come on here and spill that out, you know how it is

OP posts:

Kayleigh · 15/04/2004 10:02

Of course you're worried. And us telling you it'll be fine won't make you worry less.
But she will be fine.
You are doing the right thing, and if she hates it (she won't) or doesn't get on there (she will) you can go and get her.
Hugs XX

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 10:36

Thanks Kayleigh, I think I'd feel better about it, in fact i know I would, if she were wlking. I've got such butterflies about it!

OP posts:

PopeyesPiece · 15/04/2004 10:41

Oh I know how you feel, I am kind of dreading when I have to send dd off to playgroup. I am the hovering mother hen at the toddler group, giving the evil eye to kids that take 'her' toys etc.

Think the way you are feeling is SO normal. Does she have to do full days at first or can you do am/pm to ease her in?

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 10:45

The actual hours are 9.15 - 12.25 and she'll do a couple of dyas a week. the school has been wonderful in saying that if i want to come late, pick her up early, whatever, it's all fine, they are totally flexible. She made me feel better by saying that she's not doing this for me or lottie, another loittle boy there arrives at 10 and leaves by about 11.15ish.

I just wish she was walking
Ohhh, there are the butterflies again!

OP posts:

Northerner · 15/04/2004 10:46

Thomcat, no matter what any of us say you will still have butterflies and you will still have doubts as to wether or not you are oing the right thing, this is normal. But it does help when you get lots of moral support doesnt it?

I'm sure she will be fine, she'll probably be more than fine and actually have fun! The staff will all fall in love with her and so will the other kids. Try not to worry too much.

coppertop · 15/04/2004 10:47

She'll end up being the little Queen of pre-school. She'll have so many people wanting to talk to her and help her out.

I really worried too when ds1 started at his pre-school. Even though he's big for his age he just seemed so small and helpless and he didn't/couldn't talk. I was a bit miffed when he ran inside without even bothering to look back!

I think she'll be in her element at her new pre-school.

sandyballs · 15/04/2004 10:49

I bet she'll absolutely love it, after a bit of settling in. The teachers will soon get to know her and I'm sure they'll keep a special eye on her regarding other boisterious little ones, until she finds her feet. It'll do her the world of good.

Different situation, I know, but I've had to leave my DDs (3) at their pre-school holiday club all day today for the first time as my in-laws can't have them. They've never spent all day away from home before and 8.15 to 6.00pm seems such a very long time for tiny tots. Felt awful leaving them but they seemed thrilled at spending the day there.

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 10:53

Thanks girls, butterflies still there but as you say Northener the moral support is priceless. It's nice to read your words of support. I didn't expect to feel quite so nervous.

OP posts:

sinclair · 15/04/2004 12:30

Thomcat good luck, sure she will love it. Our DD has come on leaps and bounds since entering nursery school a year ago - she is now full time and goes into reception in Sept - whole new anxiety levels!! Can't remember whether you have a statement in place, if not it can take a few months so worth getting started. Lots about it on threads here I think.

eidsvold · 15/04/2004 12:33

TC - i really worried about dd starting nursery full time when I went back to work. I especially worried about her needs and the fact that she really wasn't even crawling at that stage and still needed so much help. The nursery were so flexible with meeting any of her needs. I also worried about the boisterous child and so on but I am sure dd holds her own

Well - she never looked back - only once has she hung onto dh and not wanted to go ( for about 5 secs). The nursery staff all love her - the kids love her and she has not looked back!!! In fact, the nursery has really taken to her - we got a beautiful letter when we told them we were leaving saying how much they would miss her and how proud they felt at being able to help with her development and how much they have enjoyed having her there. The older class learnt some songs in sign language/makaton and they came into her room to share their songs.

Me - I hate every minute being away from her - we have had two weeks together this term break and I am so glad dh has to drop her off on Monday as I will miss her like mad.

motherinferior · 15/04/2004 12:34

TC, darlin', it WILL be all right. It will be it will be it will be
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 12:52

Motherinferior, you said the least but made me want to cry the most!!!!

OP posts:

lou33 · 15/04/2004 14:34

Tc, ds2 starts on Monday too, so we can keep each other company with our bag of nerves.

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 15:04

Oh Lo, bless you :0 It'll be fine don't worry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha haaa!!!

Yes, lets be a bag of nerves together. i'm not in work now until Monday afternoon. Will take the morning off to be a nervous wreck outside the school!

good luck mate, hope it all goes well, check in with me Monday afternoon ok.

OP posts:

lou33 · 15/04/2004 15:08

Definitely . We shall compare notes. I will be a bag of nerves from home though, as dd2 and ds1 don't go back to school until Tuesday, so dh will take ds2 to nursery. Gutted at missing first full day, but may well be a good thing re the blubbing stakes!

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 15:12

Oh God, i'm going to cry aren't I!!!!!
My friend lives round the corner so i'm going to wait there until they call me. I can't see her coping with 3 hours, she'll be shattered!!

OP posts:

lou33 · 15/04/2004 15:14

I think it is inevitable TC

eidsvold · 15/04/2004 18:50

you will cry - she will be happy but shattered - light easy dinner and early bed works for us ....

Original poster

Thomcat · 15/04/2004 22:39

Thanks Edisvold
She'll be finished by 12.15, latest. I think she'll be sparko before she gets halfway home, will have a very late lunch and we'll try and squeeze in a light tea if there are enough hours in the day!

I'll check in on Monday and tell you all how soppy I was and how wonderful she was!!!!

Will be thinking of you Lou

OP posts:

Caroline5 · 16/04/2004 18:36

TC, my dd2 started at special needs nursery when she was just 2 - only 2 sessions a week to start with. It did seem very young as like your dd she is very small and not very mobile. They wanted me to stay with her at first as she wasn't used to being left and I just gradually built up the time I went away for. Can't say as she liked it at first, but now she absolutely loves it and doesn't even notice me or dh leaving! She has even got a little friend - they pull each other's hair!

I'm sure your dd will settle in soon and have a whale of a time! My dd just loves making a huge mess with paint, glue and other gunge, which she doesn't get to do at home!! Best of luck to you and lou

Eulalia · 18/04/2004 11:13

Good luck Thomcat! Hope all goes well tomorrow

marthamoo · 18/04/2004 11:23

TC and Lou, bless your little poppets - they will both be fine. Awww, I feel weepy now too (((HUGS)))

Janh · 18/04/2004 11:34

TC and lou, hope it goes really well for both your babies!

MABS · 18/04/2004 18:44

thinking of you. Take care

nikcola · 18/04/2004 18:47

good luck not that youll need it xxxxxxx

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