Effects of starting DC 1st time

Reilly626

My twins will be starting next month at 13 months old after being home with me this first year. My daughter can be clingy with me and after spending 2 nites at her grandparents she's really upset about me not being around. Im wondering will I be going through some of this when they start? What kinds of things am I up against? How long did it last?....nervous first time daycare mom to be... But excited she will be in a safe place to be active in!

KL777

I was advised to take them in part-time to get them use to the new environment.  I SAH the first 3 years and right before I went back to work, I took DS in for a few hours one day, a few more hours the next day, and more the next.  DS transitioned fine, I had more of a transition adjustment than he did.

I'm assuming you're going back to work, if so, congrats on the new job!

Karla CS

I have a very little one, so can't really comment on the emotional adaptation, but one thing to be prepared for.. them to get sick. Seriously, our daycare is ridiculously clean, but we're already working on our 2nd illness in 4 weeks. I keep telling myself that we're helping her build up an immune system of steel.

EMOmamma

My son started at 19months and was very clingy for the first month or so.  Part of it was him getting used to napping on a mat instead of a crib too so he was quite overtired too.  I would brace yourself for a rough few weeks but it could be better.  

One thing I learned was that my kids need 5 minutes of undivided attention when we first get home.  Even though there are things to do (mainly dinner) that 5 minutes of sitting on the floor hugging, playing, reading, talking is so worth it.   

jobiann

DS started a 6 weeks so I don't think I can really comment on your situation. Sounds like PP offered some good advice. Just wanted to say GL and I'm sure it will be okay after they adjust a bit. 

emberlee3

DD started at 11.5 months.  The first week or two, she didn't sleep or eat well at daycare, so she was fussy, tired and hungry when she got home.  Extra snuggles and extra bottles did the trick.  She adjusted very quickly.  1.5 months later, she is happy as a clam, loves her teachers, eats and sleeps well, and waves bye-bye when I leave her.

sara1817

I put my Dd in daycare for the first time at 2 1/2. She is/was very sensitive and didn't do well with transitions. We started out slowly by having family members watch her for short amounts of time. I created a goodbye routine with her and made sure she always knew I was leaving and would be back. I also spent a lot of time explaining new places/situations to her before they happened. Most of the time I didn't think she understood much, but was amazed at how much better she did when I let her know what to expect first. I also did library storytime with her every week  to help get her used to being around other kids and listening to another adult.

The first week of daycare drop offs were a little rough, but they got better. Dd flourished in daycare! She's still sensitive but she also has a great amount of confidence and is so independent and well rounded.

It's ok to cry a bit when you get in the car after drop off, I know I did.