Unhappy at preschool?

[bobsi]

Dd is 2.5 and has been going to 2yr old session at pre-school since she turned two for one morning a week. Initially she cried when I left her (This is the first time she's been left with anyone other than Grandparents) but after 5 or so weeks she seemed fine and has been enjoying her time there. However, last week and this week I've been told that she's been crying a lot and wanting cuddles with one carer in particular. I feel sick about it as feel I've abandoned her - please tell me this happens sometimes and that it's just a phase or something. I need some re-assurance. She's not the most outgoing child in unknown situations and although not clingy at home she likes to know you are near just in case. She's down to go for two mornings a week after Easter :-/

[Dynamicnanny]

This happens - don't worry [hug] as a nursery nurse you see children settle and then they do sometimes have a set back but they're soon fine again - can she take a teddy with her etc - also ask nursery if they have any photos of what she gets upto during the day - we used to take loads of photos - and you'll see her smiles and lots of photos of her having fun [hugs]

[moodlumthehoodlum]

It does happen, and it gets better I promise. Keep an eye on her behaviour at home as well, and mention anything out of the ordinary to her carers at nursery, it helps them put the pieces of the jigsaw together IYSWIM. Also, if she doesn't want to, does she have to go 2 mornings a week after easter? I know that's not the best advice but, if its just a phase, you could keep it at one morning and when she begins to like that again, go with the two mornings?

[mckenzie]

this happened to both of mine bobsi. Started out fine and then after 4/5 week suddenly got really tearful, didn;t want to be left etc. I was assured by the staff that once I had gone they did calm down and enjoy the session (this was at two different pre-schools by the way) and DS went on to love his sessions and DD is enjoying hers now. Sometimes she'll say she doesn't want to go but then when I collect her she tells me she's had a great time! They do it just to make us feel bad huh

[bobsi]

Thanks for all the replies - it's good to know it can happen sometimes. She has a comfort blanket but I don't let her take it with her. Do you think I should relent on this? Also baby number 2 is due in 9 weeks. We talk about it with her but I'm not sure how much she understands. Do you think this could be making her feel insecure? I didn't think she was too aware of it but who knows how much they take in? Also she moved into a bid bed three weeks ago - it's gone really well but could this also be having an effect? The reason she's going two mornings a week is due to baby no2 arriving but I don't have to go through with the second morning - maybe I'll see what she's like over the next few weeks.
When I leave her she's fine but apparently the crying and cuddle requests go on all morning. It was all going so well, I'm so disappointed

[seeker]

Is it possible for you to keep her home for a while and try again when she's older? I understand that with the new baby coming it would be nice for her to have a bit of a"life of her own" but i wonder whether she's not ready for it? She is ever so litle still......

[bobsi]

I know she's so little but wouldn't keeping her home be a step backwards. Half of me thinks this is a good idea and the other half doesn't. Dh doesn't want me to keep her home but he'll do as he's told at the end of the day - Tee Hee!!

[seeker]

I don't think you can "step backwards" with children. They are "stepping forwards" so fast that you can't stop them! She'll be a completely different person in 6 months time. If you can, I'd keep her home.