2 year old transitioning from home day care to bigger day care center

[Anonymous]

Earlier this week, our 2 year old daughter transitioned from a small home day care to a larger preschool enviorment. It has been a very rough transition so far. She cries and clings to me when I drop her off in the mornings and the teachers tell me that she cries off and on throughout the day. When we are getting ready in the morning, she also tells me she does not want to go and says the name of her old home day care provider (indicating that she would rather go there). I understand from talking to other moms and teachers that this is normal, but it just breaks my heart to see her so upset about going to a new school when she is typically a very happy child. I know that every child is different, but based on your experience, how long does it typically take a child to adjust? Any advise on what I can do to help ease the transition? How do I know if she's just not ready for this yet? Any advise would be much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Is this a young or older 2? I just started my young 3 year old in a place with 80 kids instead of 12. Big transition--lots of action all the time, much more commotion, very hard on him. He cried first four days in car over begging to go to old provider. Fifth day was better. Is your child telling you anything? We started a few routines to help. First, I kiss son's hand on palm and tell him its my secret kiss and to put his hand on his face when he needs a mommy kiss. Also always tell child when you'll be back, we try to pick up same time daily. (Right after playground, Mommy will be there.) Sorry this is rough I know. Best wishes during transition.

[Anonymous]

I'd give it a couple of weeks, unless you think something is actually *wrong*. My DD makes transitions with no problem. DS, on the other hand, has a really hard time. We've been at the same center since he was 4 months old, but each time he switches ROOMS, we have a couple of weeks of tough drop offs, messed up sleep schedules, more tantrums, etc. The worst was at 15 months, followed closely by 2.5. He didn't really have trouble at 2, but that's only because the toddler and 2s are in one big, divided room.