The best way to drop off kid on first day

[Anonymous]

DD scares of people and she is starting daycare next Monday. She is pretty much nonverbal, 2 year old, and has not got the concept that she is going to daycare by herself without me being with her. She will not get a chance to meet teacher, will not get a chance to go into daycare center, and I cannot go inwith her on first day all due to covid. They do daycare front door drop-off and pick up. What is the best way or say the least cruel to drop off her on first day? She is 200% crying and screaming. It is full day daycare, and we will do hard way which is starts her full day because parents have to go into office.

At home, she can cry for hours when I leave her to do grocery shopping with daddy keep her company at home.

[Anonymous]

She has been staying with grandparents and with us since born, to add.

[Anonymous]

She probably understands more than she can speak, so talk about how parents always come back. Tell her if she feels shy or worried, that’s ok, and she should just remember that parents always come back. I also used to kiss my kid’s hand and tell her that If she was sad, she could put her hand on her cheek and it would be like I was kissing her. Day 2-10 may be harder than day 1, but it does get better! Also, have her bring a stuffed animal or lovey from home if possible.

[Anonymous]

My kid cried for like a week, it was horrible. And now she's 9 and until I read your post, I had totally forgotten about my sweet 18 month old who I was SURE I had ruined.

Give her a kiss, tell her Mommy is going to work and you'll be back later and she will play with friends. Try and find that Daniel Tiger episode that has that horribly annoying "grownups come back" song in it.

[Anonymous]

One thing that my son's preschool did was a facetime/zoom call with the teacher so she was not a total stranger as it's not like I could walk in with him and introduce the two. I think it helped but really, she will be okay in all cases.

[Anonymous]

Have anybody, but YOU drop her off - grandparents or DH.

Also, why hasn't she had the chance to see the daycare or meet the teacher - not even virtually or zoom??

Have you driven by there together? Talked about it? Give her some context as to what to expect (drop-off at the door, you'll have a snack and lunch there, meet new little friends, activities are XYZ, Mrs. X is your teacher, blah blah blah). Read some books about going to daycare ("school").

Keep it casual, don't shed your own anxiety onto her, and keep upbeat.

Since it's a kiss & ride -type thing there won't be a lot of hoopla and drawn out good-byes.

[Anonymous]

Do it as quickly as possible. Dragging it out will only make it harder on her. "Have a good day, I love you!" Make sure she has her bag, then walk and don't turn back.

[Anonymous]

Can the teacher come out and chat with you and DD for a few minutes? DD will see that you know and trust teacher. No matter what, it's going to be a tough 1-2 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Let her take a familiar and loved stuffie for nap time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have anybody, but YOU drop her off - grandparents or DH.

Also, why hasn't she had the chance to see the daycare or meet the teacher - not even virtually or zoom??

Have you driven by there together? Talked about it? Give her some context as to what to expect (drop-off at the door, you'll have a snack and lunch there, meet new little friends, activities are XYZ, Mrs. X is your teacher, blah blah blah). Read some books about going to daycare ("school").

Keep it casual, don't shed your own anxiety onto her, and keep upbeat.

Since it's a kiss & ride -type thing there won't be a lot of hoopla and drawn out good-byes.

Talk it up! Drive to the location and have her be familiar with the outside. Drop off must be quick and sweet.
But she will cry and if it’s excessive be prepared for a call to come pick her up. I guess the least cruel thing you can do is bring a bottle of or two of wine at the end of the week for the daycare teachers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: She will not get a chance to meet teacher, will not get a chance to go into daycare center, and I cannot go inwith her on first day all due to covid.

Could you show her photos of the classroom or the teacher beforehand when you talk it up to her?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd ask for some pictures of the teacher and the classroom.

Get the book "Llama llama misses mama". It's all about going to school.

Have your DH drop her off for the first week. Be prepared for the first day to go fine, because she will be a little stunned. Days 2 and 3 will likely be the hardest. After the 2nd week, she'll be used to the new routine.

[Anonymous]

Also, if you can drive by the center ahead of time. Show her the playground, and where drop off will be.

[Anonymous]

yes to the above suggestions. And start watching Daniel Tiger with the 'grownups come back' song. And music together has a song about parents coming back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let her take a familiar and loved stuffie for nap time.

This is a good one.