DD (4) is a new kid since going back to daycare

[Anonymous]

It's only been two weeks, but she is a new person. Or rather, she is back to her old self. This morning she told me she is "so excited" to go to school. She told me about her best friend. She loves her teachers. She NAPS again. We started part time and increased to every day, but on her days off she was a disaster. Disobeying everything we said, hitting, screaming, throwing etc. She wouldn't be away from DH and I at all, but she spent the day at my parents last weekend and didn't cry or complain. She actually asks us to leave her alone to play now. It feels so good to have my sweet, loving and fun child back.

[Anonymous]

Same with my kid who just went back. He's only 2.5 but back to his old self. Every morning he babbles on about seeing all of his classmates and teacher. Almost made me teary. And he's now back to sleeping regularly through the night again. I can't wait for this experience for ALL school aged kids. As the parent, it's hard being everything to them because things aren't normal now and they can't see their friends, caregivers and teachers.

[Anonymous]

Yes I have a 3.5 year old ds and he’s been in camp for 5 weeks now. I have actually cried talking about how much happier he is since going back. My kid is back to himself— he’s happy, playful, sweet to his little sister, tells us he loves us, just overall so happy. Lockdown had him depressed. All the toys and activities in the world didn’t make up for not seeing friends and playtime at school. . I tried, I really tried every single day he was home to make it fun, and it just was rough and made me feel like a terrible mom. Every day I hold my breath that the camp will be closed down because of Covid and same with his preschool. If that makes me a terrible mom for sending him then so be it. We’re still isolating, not seeing any family since sending him. I feel guilt and happiness. Very hard.

[Anonymous]

Same here with a 3.5 year old. She's much less irritable, not really interested in tv anymore, her imaginative play has exploded, and she's overall happy again. She seems to be an extrovert and is thrilled to be back with her peer group again.

[Anonymous]

Yep. 4-yo went back this week, and from day 1 he did a 180, from a clingy, demanding moody kid who wouldn’t nap, back to my independent, happy, extroverted, napping kid. Only challenge is now with he nap, he’s up until 9:00 when he had been going down at 7:00, but I’ll take it. I’m also a much better mom when he’s in school.

[Anonymous]

What a lovely, uplifting thread. So glad for all of your littles. We just found out our 3.5 yr old's preschool will be opening back up and I can't wait. He really needs school and friends and structure.

Anything that your daycares have done that have been great, both in terms of helping kids adjust to changes and keeping everyone safe? Interested in lessons learned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes I have a 3.5 year old ds and he’s been in camp for 5 weeks now. I have actually cried talking about how much happier he is since going back. My kid is back to himself— he’s happy, playful, sweet to his little sister, tells us he loves us, just overall so happy. Lockdown had him depressed. All the toys and activities in the world didn’t make up for not seeing friends and playtime at school. . I tried, I really tried every single day he was home to make it fun, and it just was rough and made me feel like a terrible mom. Every day I hold my breath that the camp will be closed down because of Covid and same with his preschool. If that makes me a terrible mom for sending him then so be it. We’re still isolating, not seeing any family since sending him. I feel guilt and happiness. Very hard.

OP here. Our kids are the same age. You are not a terrible mom? We have to weigh the risks and benefits, I made this post for anyone who is debating what to do with their kids. Everything from now on will be "what is best for my family?" and giving my daughter some normal is what is best for her. she is bored at home and it's weighing on her mental health. I'd rather do this now than in the fall when things could be much worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What a lovely, uplifting thread. So glad for all of your littles. We just found out our 3.5 yr old's preschool will be opening back up and I can't wait. He really needs school and friends and structure.

Anything that your daycares have done that have been great, both in terms of helping kids adjust to changes and keeping everyone safe? Interested in lessons learned.

Where are you located? MD is allowing 15 people in a room, which is a lot IMO. I asked what happens if they have to close? What happens to our payment? How much outside time? Are they allowing parents in the building?

[Anonymous]

Just saw my neighborhood daycare provider herding 15 kids with two helpers for a walk. None of the adults were wearing a mask. It was a scary sight. The kids are too small to understand how to protect themselves.

We are going to see another outbreak from here. Maybe, kids are not contagious but adults definately are. Also, the parents who were dropping their kids were not social distancing or wearing masks.

[Anonymous]

Where?

[Anonymous]

Mine wasn't a total mess, but she's so much more energized than when we were at home all day. As an introvert, I couldn't relate to how much she needed to be around people, even adults. There are only 5 kids in her class at the moment but she cannot stop talking about the kids, the teachers, the activities. Any and everything that runs through her head. I'm like PP feeling guilt and happiness at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just saw my neighborhood daycare provider herding 15 kids with two helpers for a walk. None of the adults were wearing a mask. It was a scary sight. The kids are too small to understand how to protect themselves.

We are going to see another outbreak from here. Maybe, kids are not contagious but adults definately are. Also, the parents who were dropping their kids were not social distancing or wearing masks.

Op here. I drove by at outdoor timd and the teachers had their masks on.

Pp I don’t feel guilt and happiness but I feel happiness and anxiety.

This is in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just saw my neighborhood daycare provider herding 15 kids with two helpers for a walk. None of the adults were wearing a mask. It was a scary sight. The kids are too small to understand how to protect themselves.

We are going to see another outbreak from here. Maybe, kids are not contagious but adults definately are. Also, the parents who were dropping their kids were not social distancing or wearing masks.

This is plain nonsense. The kids will not being an outbreak. Read the research before you start your fear mongering.

[Anonymous]

Kids are reacting to being away from their parents. Not a good sign.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids are reacting to being away from their parents. Not a good sign.

No they’re having some independence again and playing with other kids. Being at home is boring after four months. There is only so much I can do to entertain my kids. It’s hurt. Stop trolling.