Working Moms

Starting daycare didn't go so well

DD's first week of part time daycare was last week and it didn't go that great.  DD was wailing when I picked her up the first day.  Please tell me this will get better!  I'm such an emotional mess, it's such a transition for all of us.  I was hoping DD would be stimulated by the change of environment and do ok, but that doesn't appear to be the case.  We've switched to just mornings now, so hopefully that will ease the transition.  Anyone have similiar stories?  I feel like everyone else's child does fine at daycare.  :( 

Re: Starting daycare didn't go so well

  • Take a breath!  Daycare is a big adjustment for everyone.  Babies are very resilient, but even so they need some time to get used to new people and new surroundings.

    Ratchet down your expectations a little.  In all likelihood she will adjust relatively quickly and make little friends and like her teachers.  Remember that she takes cues from you, so if you seem anxious or upset when you do drop-off or pickup, she'll figure that out.

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  • ditto the other poster. My DD cried for a long time when she started daycare. It's a new experience for her, and it can be a scary one for some kids who may be naturally shy, etc.

    Give her time, and I mean time like a month or so. Soon you'll be like me and walk in and your DD won't even notice you've arrived she'll be too busy playing. 

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  • Day care for us is difficult too. We only use it 1 day right now. DS doesn't seem to mind, but I'm having trouble with the DC only putting him down for one nap. He is SOOOO tired in the evening (takes a really late nap and then is super cranky all night). Now that we're expecting #2, I"ve been thinking about doing more hours... but am nervous b/c I don't want DS to get in to a crummy nap routine at d/c.

    As to your comment about your little one crying when you go to the DC, I have read (not experienced), that the little one's cry when they see you b/c they see you as a "safe" person, someone with whom they can share their true emotions. Who knows. My mom always said, just when you think you can't take "it" any more, the kiddo will change in to a new stage. Hang in there. It is still so tough for me to drop my little guy off, so I feel for you!

     

  • DS goes through cycles will he will cry when I drop him off, but he always cry or wimper when I pick him up. I'm told it is pretty normal and they are just very excited to see you. Also it could be that she's not used to the environment, give her a couple of days and she will be fine. When you pick her up, don't let her see you yet and see how she does, chances are she only started crying because she saw you.
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  • Oh! ?I feel you. ?And your pumpkin is adorable. ?Last week DD started with grandparents and the first day was tough but she fell into a routine. ?She starts daycare next week and I am preparing myself to go through this all over again. ??My thought is it takes a little for them to get used to it and realize you will be there at the end of the day. ?Once your baby gets to know the care givers things should go smoother.

    Hang in there!?

  • I felt the same way at first--everyone told me that it was harder on the mom than on the child, but that didn't seem to be the case.  He had a really hard time adjusting at first.  The first three days were awful.  He wouldn't take a bottle because he was so upset, so I'd have to go feed him.  He couldn't sleep because it was noisy.  As my daycare teacher told me, he's not the first baby to have trouble adjusting and he won't be the last. 

    Now, though, he is much much happier.  It's awesome.  They really have to adjust to being around different people, and they need to get to know the daycare providers.  Once they start to bond with the caretakers, it is so much better.

    Give yourself a couple of weeks.  The transition is really the hardest.  Plus, if you find later that it's not working, you can reassess then.  I kept running through in my mind the different scenarios because I really thought it was not going to work, and now he's fine.  Hang in there!

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  • Thank you for all the responses...they helped ease my mind a bit.  Today went much better...she slept for 3+ hours!!  We've started more of a sleep routine at home, so I'm hoping that will help.  I know there will be good days and bad days ahead, but it eases my mind to know that I'm not alone!  Thanks!
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