Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

Jack starts school next week. Two days a week for two hours a day. I know it's not much at all - but it's the most we've ever been apart. The only other ones to really take care of him besides me and DH are my parents (and of course some family members from time to time -- very very rarely though)

How the heck do I let go of the control and know that he will be ok? I am so paranoid - all of those stories that you hear are running through the back of my mind (kid choking on a carrot at daycare etc)

Is there any way to make this easier or do I just have to wait for some time to pass?

I thought it would be much easier than it's going to be. He'll be fine - I know, I just don't know how I'll be!

Re: Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

my best piece of advice is to make your goodbye quick. don't linger, don't look upset or nervous. be positive and upbeat. kiss him, say i love you and i will see you later and leave. if he is crying don't worry too much....chances are once you are gone he will be ok and stop crying.
good luck!! it's hard but it will be ok!!
edited to add that i worry every time i drop off my DD @ daycare...the only thing i can do to know she is safe is to have faith and to basically give it up to God that it will all be fine. there is little you can do to control that kind of stuff

Message edited 9/10/2009 8:02:42 PM.

Re: Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

Mads started nursery school last week. Like you, DH and I have been her primary caregivers since she was born.

Thankfully, our nursery school has a "drop off" line where they literally take her out of the car. No good byes. No walking away. They just open the door, unhook her carseat, and away we go.

Mads has LOVED it- Jack will too.

Re: Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

You kiss him good bye and you leave. If he is kicking, screaming calling you mama, has death grips holding on to you...you leave and make sure he doesn't see you.
The teachers will not be able to do their job and distract him if you are there. He might not cry at all and he might be ok. It took DS 4 classes for him run into the class and me beg him to give me a kiss.
He is going to love it!!!

Re: Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

This was me last year at this time....I too ( along w/ DH) were my DS's only care-givers...The teacher told me it would take about 2 weeks ( and they were the hardest 2 weeks of my life ) but she was RIGHT ! It was almost like a magic #, suddenly he stopped crying, stopped holding onto my leg and actually wanted to go !! Of-course from time to time over the school year, he'd have his "moments" ( usually when he was tired from having a hard nights sleep etc...) but for the most part he did awesome ! Almost too good and I'd have to REMIND him to kiss me good-bye

Now this is his 2nd year of pre-k and he can't wait to go back and see his friends and teacher...It will be okay, but time is what helped us

Re: Tips for leaving my son at nursery school

I have been doing this since he was 6 months old but it doesnt get easier...it was like starting over when he went back after Carlo was born.

I try to get to know the teachers and let them know little tid-bits about Chris. He usually cries at drop-off but then 2 minutes later he is okay. Delaying and holding them makes it worse. I give one hug and kiss (okay maybe 2) and then I have to leave. Then when I look back he is okay.

What helps me is picking him up and seeing how happy he is.