I start my classes Thursday. My 3 yr old dd will be going to the on site child care at the college. I am a little nervous because I have never had my kids in any kind of day care before, my older 2 were home until they were 4 and went to pre-k. Dh has class the same time as me. I'm worried she won't like it. It's only for about 2.5 hours, two days a week. Am i being silly? I mean, I'll be right there in the same building .

By Heaventree on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 01:43 pm:

Try to keep an open mind, she just might love it.

Good luck!

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 07:43 pm:

I don't think you're being silly. I think you're being a mom - a caring mom - who is worried about how her dd will react to not having mommy there. That's a legitimate worry. But, I suggest to you that if you expect her to have fun and like it, and talk with her about how much fun it will be to see new children and new toys a couple of times a week, that will help her. She may indeed cry when you leave her the first couple of times, and you may want to allow extra time in your schedule so you can cuddle her for 5-10 minutes and help her see something fun to do, before you have to go to class.

For what it's worth - I was a stay at home mom until my youngest was 7. When I took him into first grade, on the first day, he had already had two years of half-day nursery school and a year of half-day kindergarten, and the first grade teacher was a woman I knew and liked, and who had been a good teacher to his older brother. Still, around 11:00 a.m., she had to say to me, "Mrs. K., it's time to go home". And when I got outside the door, I had a few tears.

By Jjb on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 08:39 pm:

Of course you're not being silly. We all have a rough time with change...especially when it involves our children and separation. Be prepared that she might have difficulty separating the first few days- after all change is difficult. I'm sure after 10 minutes she'll be having a great time and meeting new friends. She is also probably more socially mature than your older two since she is the youngest of three.

I think being apprehensive of separating is natural-- I certainly have a rough time with my DS’s. I’m dreading when my “baby” goes to preschool. Hang in there and highlight the positive for both of you. Good luck your first day!