18 month old starting part time day care and crying

Just a question about experiences. We have my 18M old starting twice weekly for 3-4 hours at a center (young toddlers). He tends to be very slow to warm up and clings to us in unfamiliar situations. He's one of those "highly reactive" kids and has been from infancy. Nit surprisingly he has been crying on and off for the 4 times he has attended. He already knows somehow the mornings he will be going and starts crying at home. We trust the people at this center they have long years of experience and we even know them personally from the community. They say he is not miserable with tears the whole time and does participate at times. They feel he is doing "ok".

Our extended families are now saying he's too young, etc. (they are involved with drop off/pick up). I don't want to traumatized him if he is too young and we could continue with my parents watching him full time. I just want him to get some independence and socialization since he is so hesitant with new people and situations. I feel like there will be no difference in his reactions if we waited till September to re enroll him.

Any experiences or thoughts? TIA!

18 month old starting part time day care and crying

He is not too young. My DS has been in daycare since 8 weeks and there are kids of all ages go through this. They do get over it. The daycares know how to handle it since they see it all the time.

18 month old starting part time day care and crying

He is not too young. It's a new environment and surroundings , it will take time for him to adjust. DD went thru the same thing, we started her at 13 mos. it took a good 6 weeks for her to adapt, and now at almost 2, she loves it and runs into "school" everyday

18 month old starting part time day care and crying

My DC is in daycare since 10 months and is now 3 and STILL cries when I leave sometimes and she LOVES her daycare lady lol.

Re: 18 month old starting part time day care and crying

I started my DD is daycare full time at 18 months old when I returned to work. It was very hard bc I had been home with her up until then. She did cry for 2 weeks. So hard! but shes 2.5 now and LOVES it. it does take time, but they will acclimate. Hang in there.

Re: 18 month old starting part time day care and crying

4 times is honestly not enough to be making a decision. Any child needs time to warm up and if your son is sensitive he will need even more. In addition, I wonder what drop off is like. Are your extended family members making it worse by sticking around or clinging to him in any way? It's best like ripping off a band-aid: right off! They should put him down, kiss him good bye and leave. Sticking around just prolongs the crying. That was another thought I had when reading your post. Ask family and the teachers what drop off is like.

18 month old starting part time day care and crying

It takes time for them to settle in..DD has been going since she is 5 months old and sometimes we still have weepy mornings..I've been told sometimes it's a show for me because she stops as soon as I round the corner! LOL...she is now almost 21 months

18 month old starting part time day care and crying

He is not too young. DD is 18 months and is in the same phase. She clings to me if someone unfamiliar to her tries interacting with her. However, she loves school. He just needs some time to adjust. I'm sure it's just the separation anxiety phase they go through at this age. DD even did it for a week at school. She'd cry hysterically when i left, which was completely out of character for her. Owner assured me they all go through it at some point. And like a PP said, they know how to handle it. Soon he'll be having so much fun at school he'll be excited to go.

Re: 18 month old starting part time day care and crying

I agree that 18 months is not too young for every kid, but maybe it is with your child. Since you said your child is highly sensitive, maybe he does need more time being babysat by your parents. JMO