how long to adjust at daycare?

TARAnj

my LO has been going every day this week...a little longer each day. She screams from dropoff to pickup. I just want to die. I can't do this. She's so attached to me that it's horrible.    Her eyes are swollen shut when I go to get her. Anyone go through this?

frogdogny

Awww, I'm sorry!   It is definitely harder, the later you start them. Both my girls started at 3 months so they never knew anything different. But then again, they also both have gone through periods of separation anxiety so the kicking and screaming still continues periodically! We also switched centers on them a few months ago and the 15 month old (at the time) definitely had a really hard time (especially since she was in a separation anxiety phase to begin with). But she got better after a week or two and loves the new place now.

Based on what I've seen with other new kids at our daycares, I'd say you'll need to give DD about 2 weeks to adjust. It does get easier (for everyone) - I promise! GL!

Alistair's_Mom

Ugh, that's the worst!  I'm sorry!  I know its complete torture...but it will get better.  It took my DS longer to adjust b/c he's only there 2 days a week and they're not consecutive.  So I agree with the previous post and would expect 2-3 weeks...getting a little better everyday between now & then.

 Can you make the days shorter until then?  Drop off late/pick-up early....or even hang out there for a while with her?  What do they do when she screams all day?  Is there anything you know she likes that they could try to do to soothe here?  A favorite song, position in your arms, rocking, etc.

Good luck!