Adjusting to Day Care at 18 months

rachelinnc

Hello all,

I don't post a lot on here any more, but I need some advice or maybe just some reassurance. My 18 month old started day care for the first time 6 weeks ago. He's been out sick 2 whole weeks during that time. He's having a hard time adjusting and has just stopped crying at drop off the past few days. For a week or 2, they said he cried on and off all day while he was there.

He has gotten comfortable with his morning teacher so I think that's why he's started going in without crying. She's definitely the most "motherly" teacher and I think she pays more attention to him than the other teachers. I understand there are other kids there too so I'm not complaining about the other teachers, he just prefers the morning one.

Today the morning teacher tells me her last day is this Friday. I am shocked! She has been there 8-9 years so I guess I just wasn't expecting it. He has just started to get used to being there and she was one of the main reasons. Now I am so scared he's going to start being upset again in the mornings or even all day.

Rationally, I know that he will adjust and be ok. But my heart is so sad for him. I feel like he's had so much change over the last couple of months and I wish he didn't have to go through another one. Can someone tell me I'm crazy and that he'll be fine in another few weeks? Am I scaring him for life?

doxgirl

I had a similar experience with DS.  He started day care at 18 months. He had a week of adjustment, then was out sick for a week.  He finally bonded with one of his teachers and then she switched rooms. Then the other teacher left. It ended up being about a month of adjustment.  I love the new teachers in his room.  He really bonded with them, and now loves going to day care.  Hang in there.  It will get better!

lujain

Sorry to hear your kiddo has been having a rough time.  That sucks. 

ASmallWonder

That's a tough age even for kids used to daycare, in my experience.  My son has been in daycare since he was 4 months old and when we moved and switched daycares at 15 months, he struggled just like your son is struggling.  But they do adapt.  It's harder on us, I think