BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

DD will be going to daycare starting on Tuesday and I am dying already. Im getting myself all upset just thinking that she will be w/ someone else all day. I tried to talk to DH to say "what if" I didnt go back to work for a while. That didnt go over too well and now on top of that I am upset at him also.


How did you get thru the days leading up to and the first day?

Message edited 8/31/2012 10:25:09 PM.

BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

the anxiety bout the first day is so much worse. DD's first day I think I called once an hour to check on her!

Once you get into the routine you'll be fine

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

It was hard, but it definitely got easier. I have a job where once, I got there, I was busy nearly every minute, so that helped a lot.
This weekend, spend lots of time playing & snuggling & if you can, try to replicate your work routine/schedule over the next few days. That way, you'll both be more accustomed to that part.

I think one thing that helped in terms of maximizing time with DD was making sure I had my packing/preparation for daycare (and for me - I was still nursing & therefore, pumping) down to a sharp routine. I even made a list of "stuff" I needed to make sure I had packed each night so I didn't forget.

Play a lot on the weekends. Be gentle with yourself. Use PeaPod - let some of the "to do" list go.

to you!

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

Thanks ladies. DH just thinks its as easy as dropping her off. I just hope I can keep it together until I get out of the building.

BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

maybe have him drop her off the first day or week....

What gets me through the day is knowing my paycheck is needed to pay for the diapers and food my kid needs, plus thats why you pick a place you feel good about.

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

Just spend as much time with DC as possible. It will be tough but, once you get through the first week it will get easier. Don't feel like your feelings are not normal.

But, do remind yourself of all the positives of daycare. My kids is so social and has so many friends. He has no problems being left with a sitter, not that we ever get out! And is such a charmer with everyone. He warms up right away in social situations.

He knows every kids song and all the hand motions. He sits in the back of the car and sings them to himself. The other day he told me that yellow and blue make green. He learned that a long time ago at "school". He acutally can't wait to go back next week because he missed his friends so much!!

He will be fine. There will rough moments. (for me the first time he got sick was one) but, it will be all good. Hang in there.

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

I feel your pain. I go back to work on Tuesday too, and I'm dreading leaving my little girl. She will be with my MIL two days per week, and daycare the other 3. We did a part-day trial run at daycare on Wednesday. She did great, but I was a mess! I said goodbye to her, and she gave me this huge smile, and I started crying in front of everyone! She did great at daycare. It's so much harder on us than it is on them.

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

I cried a lot the first week but it definitely gets better. I am a teacher so there are A LOT of working moms where I work and had a good support system. I did call in and check - but honestly, it wasn't necessary. He did great and eventually I did great!

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

Re: BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

Posted by Jax430

I feel your pain. I go back to work on Tuesday too, and I'm dreading leaving my little girl. She will be with my MIL two days per week, and daycare the other 3. We did a part-day trial run at daycare on Wednesday. She did great, but I was a mess! I said goodbye to her, and she gave me this huge smile, and I started crying in front of everyone! She did great at daycare. It's so much harder on us than it is on them.

BTDT first day ever of Daycare? advice?

It is hard, but it does get better once everyone is in a routine.