Only child starting daycare!

[*sammy*]

Hi!
So my DD is 18 months and starting childcare on Friday. She is at the age where she really wants to socialise with other kids so DF & I have decided to try her just once a week to see how she goes. I am expecting again & have been really sick with hypermesis which has fortunately passed now however still suffer really bad morning sickness & am just soooo tired from it all the time.

We dont see many people especially kids (my mum lives in WA & sadly my dad & I arent too close) we only have 2 other good friends with children & dont get to see them as they live quite far away- so I think it will be good for DD to see that other children do exist in the world, lol!

I'm just so nervous about it! I am sure the childcare workers will be great but still scary thoughts keep running through my mind (what if this, what if that) & I really dont know what to expect with a daycare I have never really talked to anyone about it before.. It is an ABC centre & was told they were quite good but I am stressing about the most ridiculous things like DD getting badly bitten by another child or something- ridiculous I know! - but DD is such an affectionate little girl who just loves to give kisses and cuddles so it just scares me! Anyway just wanted to get it off my chest!

[Rinnie]

hey sammy,

dont be to nervous about it!! I am in the same boat you guys are in, hubby and i dont have very many friends with kids up here. so we sent our little boy off to day care. he enjoys it alot and loves the kids. you will be fine. i found the first couple of days the hardest.

best of luck , i hope i hepled a little

[~Kim~]

My DD started at that age (and was our 'only' at tht stage). Before we moved I had never even contemplated sending her to CC, but it was our only option - and in the end one of the best things to happen.
There are so many positives besides the social - the communication, the creativity, the routine, the fostering of a bit of independence.
She 'could' get bitten by another child in the shopping centre or play centre, but there there are no people who are employed to be furthering her little mind either are there?

Have you been for a few visits and stayed for a bit? Watch how they interact with the kids, what happens in the playground etc. Maybe that would help you? Talk to her teachers at length, make an appointment if you need to about their routines and philosophies so you know what to expect. If you are prepared and feeling calm, then so will she.
Little children are like dogs and can pick up on your fear. If you are at ease with her and prepared for the settling in phase then it will be easier for her.
Good luck and enjoy your time out.

[Izabella]

How did your DD go?