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D.C. Area Babies
WWYD?? (long, my apologies)
So the pre-school transition has been a rough one for DD. Rougher than I ever would've imagined. We're at the end of the first week and here is how it went. Day 1, DD was on the verge of tears when we both dropped her off but held it together. I called mid-day, they said she was doing great but wouldn't eat a thing. That evening when I picked her up she cried when I got there and the whole evening at home was a clingy, crying mess. Day 2, she cried and was clingy the whole morning before school, DH dropped her off and he said she never gripped him so hard. I called mid-day and they said she was happily swinging on the swing and again would not eat any food. That evening DD was a clinging crying mess. Day 3 I tried sending her lunch, even packing her favorite, a goat cheese sandwich, and she wouldn't touch it. So now we are on Day 5 and every night this week has been terrible, every morning difficult and every report I get from pre-school has been other than not eating, she's doing really well. I am so confused.
I've decided that we will last out this month and give her a long while to transition, but I don't know what to do about the not eating. She eats a lot when she gets home, probably because she is starving - but I am torn as to whether I should send lunch daily (which she hasn't eaten) or have her grow used to the lunch they provide. Today she wouldn't eat breakfast so perhaps she will be more adventurous at school. At what point do I start worrying that she is not getting enough nutrition? I've talked to her about eating lunch and how she needs to do it but she keeps on telling me no, she doesn't like it (I doubt she even tried it - especially since yesterday was noodles with meat sauce and peas - three of her favorites).
Anyone else have a difficult transition? Am I just moving her too early, she's 2.5 - maybe I should've waited till she was 3. Any insight is most definitely appreciated.
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| From December 29, 2011 |
This discussion has been closed.
Re: WWYD?? (long, my apologies)
I think this is just a hard age to make changes. I know my case sometimes is more extreme than others but it took DD 8 weeks to accept the toddler bed. Our DCP moved into a new house last week and even though it is the same kids, same DCP, same toys, etc... she has been super sensitive this week to the 'new house,' and it has caused sleeping problems and eating problems.
I think they just get so use to their routines and little things can disrupt it. I think the pre-school will be great for your DD eventually but right now it is a huge change. New people, new place, new routine and she is just trying to process it all. I would just give her tons of attention and keep talking about how fun/exciting/etc... school is.
BIG HUGS!
Re: the eating thing, if it's only been a week, I wouldn't worry about it. Send lunch if it makes you feel better, but I always remember the advice my mother gives me - eventually a kid will eat because they'll get hungry.
Re: the crying mess - totally - when DD #1 started preschool at 2.5 yrs old, she was a mess at night. The school reported all good things - she was more than fine, participating, etc. We chalked it up to the fact that being there all day was TOTALLY exhausting for her. New people, new place, new things to do, new schedule, new everything - that's exhausting for me at age 36, I can't imagine how completely overwhelming and exhausting - mentally, emotionally, physically - for a two year old. And I know when my kids get exhausted, they get C R A N K Y.
Like all transitions - it was tough, but it got better! We love the school DD #1 is in and wouldn't have it any other way.
Hugs from me too!
I'd give it time. I know it seems like 1 week is a long time, but really, when you are dealing with a big change like this, it really isn't. I remember when we changed daycares a couple of years ago. DD#2 ws not quite 2 at the time and had a realllllly hard time with the transition. Mind you, she had been in daycare since she wa s3 months old, so the concept of going to daycare every day was not new to her. But the location was, the teachers, the other kids.... I remember her bawling when I dropped her off each day. It broke my heart. To be honest, it took her a good 2 weeks to adjust. And, as I said, that is a child who was used to going to DC.
As far as the eating, she'll get used to it. Eventually, if she is hungry enough, she'll eat. And you'd be surprised what a little peer pressure will do. My kids eat thigns at DC they never seem to eat at home.
Hang in there!
I'm sorry your DD is having a rough time. I hope it gets better soon.
I'm LOL-ing a little that her favorite food is a goat cheese sandwich. Such fancy tastes!
She really likes all cheese but I think she loves goat cheese the best because of the name. It's crazy cheap at Costco so we use it all the time.