Crying at new daycare drop-off

st.augbride

We just switched ds to a new daycare, from a home daycare to a school-like center. Today was day 3 and the first day that he cried at drop-off and even some during the middle of the day : ( I know this is an excellent environment and MUCH better than where he was at, so we made the right move, but I hate seeing him have a rough time transitioning. How long can I expect this to last?

dragon_chica

DD was the same way when she went from grandparents to preschool at age 2.  The first 2 days she did ok and on the 3rd day she probably realized this wasn't a novelty and freaked out.  For her, it lasted for the rest of the week and then she was fine.  I've heard of it lasting weeks for some kids.  Always make sure that the drop-offs are super quick, do a happy wave goodbye, and high-tail it outta there!  Maybe give him a frame of reference to know when to expect you.  Like, "I'll be back when you wake up from nap."

lauraua

It will get better! It should take about a week. Like the previous poster said, quickly say goodbye and leave - don't linger.

MNgirl326

Give it some time- maybe even buy a special stuffed friend that can come to daycare with him or bring one from home - to help keep him brave.   There is also a book called "I'll Always Come Back"  It talks about all the fun things that are done at school/daycare while mommy is at work and it shows that you will always come back.

 Just keep things consistent and positive and know that it is going to just take a couple weeks to adjust.

 

Here is the link to the book

https://www.amazon.com/always-come-back-Steve-Metzger/dp/0439429226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371926814&sr=8-1&keywords=I%27ll+always+come+back

saturdaynightdoubletree

Every kid is different. DS cried for 2 weeks straight ALL day long because it was the first time in his entire life he was separated from his sister for more than an hour or two. Then magically one day he was over it, and he became a thousand times more independent and confident. Most of what I've read says about 2 to 3 weeks tops. GL, and just remember you made the right choice... It WILL get better!