Help me with daycare drop-off?

heyitsme

DS has been in daycare since he was 15 weeks old. He's been at his current daycare since January. He loves it there, it's a good fit for him, etc.

In the last month or so, though, there's been a lot of inconsistency. He's had several illnesses (pink eye, roseola, etc.) that have caused him to be home for 1-3 days at a time, then we were in the path of a wildfire and were evacuated for a few days so he was home with us, then the long weekend, etc.

Since all of these things, getting ready in the morning has been really tough (he fights it tooth and nail) and drop-off has been terrible. He cries, a lot. Today he tried to run out the door. We've had crying at drop-off before but he usually is better within a few minutes. They said this sadness has been lasting all day and he's "not himself" lately. 

The teachers are responding to him and are helpful, but I'm wondering if any moms here can give me tips about how to ease drop-off. I was thinking along the lines of a ritual at drop-off or getting ready to sort of ease the transition. I typically walk him in, we sign in, I stop at his cubby with him and we put away his jacket and lunch, then I walk him into his classroom, sometimes he comes with me to the bathroom (where I put his diapers away--we use cloth so I bring in new ones daily) and sometimes he stays in his room. Then I give him a quick hug and kiss goodbye and go. I haven't changed that even with the inconsistency lately, because I'm always in a hurry to get DD to school next.

He's 2.5 (today!), for those of you who can't see my ticker. 

meli1025

I went through a phase like this with my DS for a few months and what I did was I started telling him before we left the house that he was going to school so that mommy can go to work, and not to worry or be sad because I will be back to pick him up later.  Then I would remind him again on the way to daycare that I would be back later and I was going to work.  After a few days of this he started asking me at drop off, "mommy you go to work?  you'll be back later?" and it was like he just got it, and no more crying episodes.  His daycare also has a window between the hallway and his room and we've added meeting mommy at the window to wave bye-bye to the routine.  Now he still says, through the window..."Bye mommy you going to work?  You'll be back later?".  It's cute now and stress free for both of us.  Good luck!

fryrat

It seems like he may have just gotten used to spending more time with mommy. They do not often know that the illness is what gets them a couple days at home, and they associate making a fuss with going home. Give it a couple weeks to get back into the normal routine, and he will figure it out.

2chatter

I think kids just go through this in phases no matter what you do.  DDs at 9 and 5 still have these moments.  DD5 tearfully hugged me and begged not to go to school today.  She just "needs more time with you Mommy".  Heart breaking, but normal from what I have heard from friends. 

KathrynMD

I wouldn't really do much - i would keep up your routine and narrate the morning and be upbeat about it.

We're going to school, you're gonna play w/ all your friends, do you think you'll go down the slide today/play in blocks or puzzles, etc., I think you'll have cheese crackers for snack today, etc. Wow - that'll be fun, and then I'll pick you up and we can do XXXX with daddy, and watch XXX show - what a great day you're going to have, etc.

ras26

Can DH do drop-off?  DH usually drops off DD and she waves and blows kisses to Mommy while they get in the car, and then she never cries for him when he leaves her at daycare.  If I am involved with drop-off, she cries every. time. even if I do the same routine.  

LoCarb

sounds like a phase. I always drop off with food. A piece of fruit is a great distraction.

laurakaz13

I think it just takes time.  DD just "graduated" to the 2-3 year old classroom and has had a hard time b/c she misses her old teachers terribly.  It has been getting better day by day.