I’m worried about my 2.5 yr old starting preschool

[Anonymous]

My 2 year old kid with few words only is going to daycare in a week 8am to 5pm, and he has no clue that he is going to daycare. I am expecting many tears and crying, and I am worried as well. If there was no covid, I could have prepared him more used to other kids and does some mommy & me OR some drop off classes. He is going to scream and cry day and night for a while, and I hope that he will just get used to it There is the only option because we are heading back to office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think a lot of us are a bit worried.

Our nanny, a former preschool teacher, has enacted “preschool rules” at our house recently. Not pulling a toy out of someone’s hand, saying “”I’m playing with this now”, taking turns, eating with DD at her little table and not sharing food, waiting. I don’t know if it’s going to help or not but it’s something to do!

This. The more than they get used to a routine and rules, the easier the transition will be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He’ll be just shy of 3 in September.

Had covid not happened, he would have continued with music class, story times, play dates, playgroups, and play dates. But for the last 16 months it been just DH, nanny, new baby, and me. We’re working on getting a couple play dates over the summer and going to the playground when it isn’t too crowded (I’m still worried about covid because we live in a high tourist area).

He’s a generally shy kid to begin with.

His preschool is 9 to 2 and it’s unlikely any of the kids are coming from group care situations so they may all be in the same boat. Still I worry because he’s never been away from us, doesn’t like loud or sudden noises, and simply hasn’t been around other little kids.

Anyone else worried?

Why are you still worried about Covid? Covid is over. You should get the vaccine if you haven't already. If you have, you have nothing to worry about. And don't say "children can't get the vaccine" because they also do not suffer from Covid, if they get it, which is unlikely given that there are like 20 cases a day in the entire District of Columbia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why did you choose a 9-2 program instead of 9-12? Curious given it appears you don't need it for daycare reasons.

OP here. All three of the preschools we liked and applied to were 9 to 2. Just worked out that way.

Interesting. First I’ve seen these hours for preschool. Sounds like great hours for parents, but I would think anything past 12 would be more challenging due to wanting to nap or just being tired and cranky. Overall I’m sure it will be a positive experience

We’re in Los Angeles and those were the hours of all three. I would have preferred 9 to 12 too.

And DS stopped stopped napping.

Just because he doesn't nap, doesn't mean he won't be tired and cranky. Just be prepared for afternoons/early evenings to have some tiredness or maybe meltdowns

[Anonymous]

Don’t underestimate the power of your confidence or anxiety to influence your child. I would suggest speaking confidently positively about school, reading books picking out a bag and water bottle etc. maybe walk by the school and explain that you will take
Him there next week to play eat see other kids etc, and then mommy or daddy will come back to pick you up.

Always be confident and swift on drop off. Don’t linger delay “one more hug” etc.
calm confident parent...calm confident kid. Anxious nervous wreck parent...anxious nervous wreck kid.

[Anonymous]

Your feelings are normal and all of us fellow moms have experienced them too.

But you can't project your anxiety, worry, shyness, hesistancy onto your kid. Keep it positive, but don't over-talk about it.

There's usually an open house, tour, orientation, popsicles on the playground, meet & greet - type tying so definitely take advantage of that.

Daniel Tiger, Berenstain Bears, and other books addressed this same common preschool angst.

Keep in mind, that no preschool way be more detrimental than sending him in.
In fact, the lack of socialization will only get worse (and will become even more problematic) since you don't have him enrolled in any classes or structure or even playdates.