Any other Moms have kids starting school at a later age (4) with no daycare ever??

Megan has been with me every single day of her 4 year old life. She started school today. UPK..5 days a week, from 1 to 3 30...and boy did she have a hard time.

I am a former preschool teacher of that exact age group so I know its normal for them to cry but I am so nervous. I was out of the room for only 20 minutes and when I came back, she was hysterical. Screaming, crying, didnt color her picture. All night she has been begging me not to send her tomorrow, she is breaking my heart. So many awesome friends have given me wonderful advice but I kind of feel bad that I never put her in school before now. Did I create a monster by thinking I was doing great things for her by staying home with her?

I am hoping she adjusts but I am just so scared. Tomorrow I have to just drop her at the door and even if shes screaming, I cant go in. I know in the end this is better for her but my heart literally hurts knowing that she is thinking that I am leaving her all alone..especially after being together for 4 years.

Anyone have experience with this? Any stories to share? Thanks so much.

Message edited 9/8/2010 10:06:27 PM.

Re: Any other Moms have kids starting school at a later age (4) with no daycare ever??

My DS started pre-k at almost 3 ( I am a SAHM and his experience with being with anyone aside from me was VERY limited- Grandma a handful of times and thats about all)

The 1st 2 weeks were torturous...I would hear blood curdling screams through the window and it broke my heart...

I called the teacher and said, maybe he's too young and I should wait a bit and try again...The teacher urged me to give it 2 weeks and promised me at the 2 week mark I would see a massive turn-around....

I cannot tell you how right she was...It was like magic Like someone hit a "switch"...he went from grabbing on to me with all his might to barely remembering to kiss me goodbye!

I myself am a daycare provider ( on family leave ) and deep down "knew" he would be fine because of my experience with other children, but when its your "own" kid- its a whole 'nother story

My advice would be to keep encouraging her - Try to get to that 2 week mark...make good-byes short and sweet (don't sneak out), Tell her exactly where you will be meeting her when school is over and give her an outline of the day in simplistic terms
( you will play, then you will have snack and then go on the playground and then you will get your backpack and mommy will be here etc...)

Its better she eases into it now for shortned hours with a smaller group size than going straight to K for longer hours in a larger group setting...

I'm sure she will do great in no time


ETA- For the first few weeks I always had a "treat" of some sort waiting for my DS in the car...For him it was usually a few gummy bears or what have you, but it could be a new silly band or something also....

I'm not saying to bribe her , but sometimes a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down for a little while ...It didnt last long, eventually he forgot and would be so excited talking about his day

Message edited 9/9/2010 9:18:58 AM.

Re: Any other Moms have kids starting school at a later age (4) with no daycare ever??

Give her a week and she will come around. I also think it might be better for you not to be there at all. It makes it easier for the teacher (which you probably know already) if are out of sight.

She will come around..good luck

Re: Any other Moms have kids starting school at a later age (4) with no daycare ever??

DD is going to pre-school now (turning 4 shortly) and has never been in daycare. She is adapting to it VERY well! We are only sending her for 2 half days, but I think I may bump it up to more. She LOVES it!

Re: Any other Moms have kids starting school at a later age (4) with no daycare ever??

Yes, both of my daughters went to nursery school at 3 and prek at 4 and they both cried due to separation at various points. I specifically remember my older one crying and clinging to me for 3 weeks straight when nursery school started It was awful, I could have cried with her (I didn't) but the most important thing was how the teacher (s) handled it. I don't have any advice but I empathize, it's not easy!