She doesn't want to go back!

[Cath78]

My daughter chloe started daycare last week. She is there 3 days a week. Monday (the first day) was ok. It was a bit of a novelty - she didn't want to kiss me goodbye - it was just get out of here mum and let me play. She didn't eat much, cried a bit after a few hours, then slept an hour. Wed and Thurs were much worse! hardly ate, hardly slept and cried and cried and cried! I had to go pick her up early on Thurs.

Plus she didn't sleep well on Wed, Thurs and Fri night which is not like my great sleeper that I know. It was "mummy hold" all night (well it felt like all night!)

All Fri and Sat she has been so clingy!!!! which is not like her. she cries when I go to the toilet, doesn't want her dad to bath her like he usually does etc. She actually is a little better today but she keeps saying "no play kids" (meaning she doesn't want to go).

Any ideas?????? I know it takes a while to settle in and I can handle her crying when i leave but I need sleep and i need just a few moments to myself so I don't go even more crazy!!!!!

Thanks,
Cath

[Beckibee]

Awww hon, separation anxiety is really tough. When I started Maddy in daycare they recommended easing her in for shorter days for the first couple of weeks. Is it possible for someone to pick Chloe up for a shorter day until she gets a little more adjusted?

I know I'm very fortunate as Maddy took to daycare like a duck to water and couldn't wait to get there in the mornings - she does get clingy when she's over-tired and coming down with something.

Does the daycare allow you to stay around for a bit; to participate in the activities with Chloe until she feels comfortable? Perhaps there are several triggers in the whole set-up that are accentuating her stress and anxiety? Are they keeping her timetable as close to what you had at home (well, as close as they can manage with a number of toddlers to consider)?

All I can say is to really chat with your DH/DP and decide what's best in your opinion for Chloe. Maybe it's a matter of weighing up whether you think it's a stage she's going through or something she is genuinely distressed about and not about to get accustomed to quickly. Perhaps talk to the daycare workers/other mums in the centre.

[Rouge]

I would be asking if there is any other children she isn't getting along with. Sometimes, not always but sometimes there is a reason for their fussing. Especially considering the first day she was quite happy to go iykwim? I would be asking the carers to keep an eye out for any squabbles and see how you can go with it.

[Cath78]

thanks for your replies!

today she screamed when i took her. but (like you said beckibee) we - well my mum (cause i'm back at work this week) picked her up at 2.30. she actually ate and slept today! mum said she didn't seem in a hurry to go home. what relief

lets just hope we've turned the corner