DS (nearly 2) struggling to get through nursery session

[FrayedKnot]

I am going back to work soon and DS is going to be in nursery from 8am - 1pm Mon-Fri.

He has been settling in for a few sessions now, but today I left him from 9.30 - 11.30 (the longest so far) and he has come home absolutely shattered. He could hardly eat lunch, then seemed to rally a bit, but when I suggested he went for his nap, he had the biggest out of control tantrum he's ever had. Obviously he was completely exhausted.

He's a bit under the weather with a nsty cold & cough so that is probably not helping, but I am really worried as to how he is going to cope with 5 hours Mon-Fri as of the week after next

Am even wondering whether to ask DH to take a day off so he only does 4 days the first week.

Anyone else had simialr experiences and how long did it take them to settle in and cope?

It's a very small nursery with only 6 -7 children in his group, but it's obviously overwhelming to him, as he's been used to quiet mostly 1-2-1 at home.

[Babyblue2]

I was just about to start a post about nursery - you've beaten me to it. DD1 started nursery 3-4 wks ago only twice a week to get her in the swing for April when she goes 5 x per week. She's nearly 3 so older than yours. She's not settling in at all. I'm struggling with the 'do I tell her she's going to nursery or do I wait until we're in the car and on the way'. I've tried both ways, if I tell her beforehand, she's upset and hysterical until she gets there, if I tell her in the car, she's upset but its only a 5 min drive away. I feel guilty about the car choice. She gets in the car so innocently cos i'm off to the shops but then after the shops she's off to nursery.

I do sympathise. I wish I could help, there'll be plenty of others who can though.

[FrayedKnot]

Babyblue2, sorry your having problems too.

So far DS has actually wanted to go to nursery, and has been fine when I've left him, and fine while he's there, it's what he's like at home afterwards that's the problem!

Perhaps your dd will settle better when she goes every morning. It could be the break inbetween which is more unsettling for her?

[nailpolish]

frayednot, the only thing i can think of to suggest is taking ds straight to bed when you get home. he can have lunch when he wakes.

hth

[throckenholt]

could he have a nap at the nursery ?

[FrayedKnot]

I think I will have to ask them that if he does get very tired, whether he can have a morning sleep to begin with.

In his group (he is going into the 2-3's), they normally don;t have quiet / nap time until after lunch.