Worried about DS starting nursery.

[wellsie]

This has probably been done to death but.....

I'm returning to work after a year off following the birth of DS. I've only ever left him with DH or my parents so am starting to get really worried about leaving him at nursery.
He'll only be in there for 2 days a week but I'm already feeling sick at the thought of leaving him.
He has become very clingy of late and will be 11mths when he starts so he'll have a pretty good understanding of what is going on (I think). I'm dreading him crying as I leave, it's going to break my heart.
Would really like to hear from anyone who has been through this.
Thanks
Wellsie

Not exactly the same Wellsie but left my DS1 at pre-school today for an hour to get ready for the big start after half term. I have never left him with anyone he doesn't know and, this morning, he didn't want to go because he said last week it was "too noisy" and there were "too many people there"
He didn't want me to leave at first so I stayed with him for 20mins or so then left when he was happier. I felt dreadful when I left because I didn't think the helper was being particularly aware of him being new and so on (could tell you all details but not quite sure how I feel about it yet!. I was also feelign a bit ill myself (juct cold but feeling crap) and I nearly cried.
However, when I came to pick him up, he was fine and had enjoyed himself and brought a picture home with him.
probably not going to help much but I went through it this morning so I do know how you feel!

Thanks Tommy, I know Nursery is going to be the first of many hurdles, next it will be playschool, then pre-school, then school - Why do they have to grow up?

Wellsie. I know exactly what you are going through as I am in the exact same position.
My dd( only just 1) started nursery a few weeks ago for 2 days a week, well this is the 4th week.
I was also dreading it and actually got so nervous even just taking her as like your son she has started to get rather clingy.
On the first morning I spent a little while in the nursery with her and then left the room. The manager saw I was upset so took me to a quiet room to have a good cry. They were great and told me to call as much as I wanted as they would rather have 10 calls a day than me worrying.
I was not going to be working that day so went to a cafe and treated myself to something yummy and went shopping to keep my mind occupied. It helped to keep busy.

Now we've both got used to it and she has a great time there. She does still get a bit clingy and tearful, such as yesterday( she missed Fri as she was not very well) but I know that its only for a few minutes. The smiles you get when you collect them are just amazing. I also get really excited when it comes near to that time. CAT me if you want to keep in touch over this. Its hard but my dd is having a great time and I am getting a break from being a mum so I think its done me the owrld of good as well. hope this helps.

Wellsie, big hugs. I'll write more later as I am at work and need to do some of it(!) but will just say that I had similar feelings, similar aged DS and he now loves nursery.

But I will write more later.