How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

I'm looking into nursery schools for next fall for DS and im already having anxiety over this. Did they scream and freak out or was it ok? How long was the adjustment period? DS is a very friendly baby especially when he sees other kids but the whole leaving him is whats scaring me the most. Are there schools that offer a gradual separation or is it all or nothing?

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

I will tell you this...thinking about your child going to school for the first time (even if its a few hours a week) is a bit scary especially if they've been home with you since birth..

But...like with everything else, it is an adjustment and some children will adjust really quick...walk into school, no problems etc...and other kids will be slow to warm up...clingy, crying a bit etc..but they all "get there". The teachers do such a good job at making sure the kids are happy, and the adjustment is usually not nearly as hard as you envision. Trust me!! I was a MESS 2 years ago when johnny first went to school. I didn't want to leave him. He did cry a bit at dropoff (i did too lol) but the assistants in the class always got him to stop and they would play with him, hold him etc until he was ok. It never really lasted more than 10 minutes and he was great.

And then it gets to the point where they are asking to go to school and see their friends.

It's funny...my second son Ryan LOVES going to drop Johnny off at pre-k (johnny is now 4!) and I know he can't wait to go to school like his brother. I know the second time around i don't have any worries about pre-k because i know how great it was for Johnny. I can't wait for Ryan to start!!

Hope this helps.

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

Let's just say I cried in the parking lot and didn't want to leave......I think it's easier for them then us. Mommy & Me offerers a summer seperation class before preschool that I do with my children to get them adjusted first. It helps a lot!

Message edited 5/27/2011 7:20:22 AM.

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

The pre-school we use has a summer camp. We put DS in camp one day a week for three hours so he could get used to his new environment. Then in the fall we would just say you're going to school. He loves it. We're going the same thing with DD this summer.

Message edited 5/27/2011 7:30:11 AM.

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

DS had major separation anxiety and had always been home with a nanny. I was so stressed over sending him to school because I thought he would completely freak out. I did what PPs mentioned and sent him to camp over the summer at his school and I swear after a few days he was FINE and then in Sept he was looking forward to it and didnt cry once! He shocked me! They're much more adaptable than we give them credit for

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

I have to be honest....it was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. He cried ( as expected) and it took everything I had in me to leave him there and not grab him and leave. He was fine after I left but it was really tough. After the 1 st few days he was absolutely fine!

Re: How hard was it sending your LO to school for the first time?

DS has a lot of trouble adjusting to new settings. I had no problem sending him to school because I work so I don't see him anyway but even if I was a SAHM, I'd want him to go because it has been SO good for him in terms of socialization and learning.

It will probably be hard for a few weeks but it will get sooo much easier I promise. Plus the artwork they bring home to you is so freakin adorable... especially when it's Mother's Day