Please help

I am feeling so down and hopeless about my little girl settling at nursery. She started a month ago and was so hysterical the first week that the nursery asked us to stay for her sessions rather than leave her. We did that for a few weeks, trying to take as much of a step back as possible. Yesterday I left her for 5 minutes to go ‘to the shops’ and it went ok. But today when I tried to leave her she was beside herself again and the staff came outside to get me. I am struggling with this so much as I also have a 4 month old at home. My dad passed away recently and we don’t have much family support due to the current circumstances. Should I persevere with this or give up and try another setting? It is a lovely small nursery and they have been very kind to her. My only criticism is that they haven’t been very proactive about making a settling plan or providing us with the photos I have requested to help her talk about nursery more. She is only supposed to be going for a few mornings a week, gradually building up to more when I go back to work. I feel guilty trying to do this when I am on maternity leave but I need time with my 4 month old.

Show your support

I'm no help really but we are in a similar boat. My son is meant to do 3 hours, 3 times a week and we can't seem to get past the 1.5 hour mark before I have to collect him. He also cries every single drop off and it's so, so difficult to leave him 💔

I can't see how trying a different setting is going to help, to be honest. The problem is the separation from you, not the nursery. Maybe ask to have a meeting with them about putting a plan in place for helping to settle her in. X

@Rachel you’re absolutely right. I think I’m just doubting all my decisions!

@Michelle sorry to hear your little one is struggling too. 😭

It gets better trust me! I was close to pulling mine out as he was struggling but the last 2 sessions he’s gone on perfectly fine and even managed 5 hours. It’s been just over 2 months now but we’re getting there 🤞🏼 hope this helps

When you 'go to the shops' can you bring her something? I did chocolate buttons the first couple times and it helped. Also is she taking a toy from home to help?

@Tasmin thank you that is helpful to know and so glad your little one has settled now.

@Jo yes she’s taking a favourite toy and we’ve talked lots about cuddling it and other things she can do if she does feel sad. I also did chocolate buttons yesterday too 😂

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌