I was thinking about putting my 2 year old daughter in a MDO program. She has never been left anywhere without me and I was wondering if anyone has any tips for this new transition. We do go to Gymboree and story time at the library but I really like the idea of her having 2 days of fun and activities with other kids her age. I have tried putting her in church daycare but she cries anytime I tell her we are going to go to church. I just hope she can spend 5 hours without me. Anything would be great. Thanks
St. Mark's offers a really nice educational program. If you are still interested and live near Thousand Oaks & 281. You should give them a call. They are accepting children ages 2, 3 and 4 for the 2009-2010 school year. ###-###-####
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I put my daughter in day care for 8 hrs a day for the first time when she was 2. She was fine. She even started asking me if I could come back later to get her. She will be fine. Give her that little bit of independance, but let her know she's still mommy's little girl.
MDO has been great for my kids. I think the key is finding a really fun and loving program that they love. I was worried my son would not want to be left, but once he started, he hates having to miss school due to christmas break. It is also great practice for getting ready for school. We go to Rainbow Station (in the 1604 & 281 area).
Hi! I would do it gradually like maybe 1-2 hours a day the 1st few days if that is ok with the school. Good luck!
I was in the same boat a couple of months ago. I joined a gym that has a Kids Club. I, too, was worried about my DD crying, being upset, etc,etc. The best advice I got was from Jo Frost (Supernanny book)The worst thing you can do is "sneak out". My DD cries for me to stay. I calmly look right in her face and say, "Mommy will be back in two hours", the gals in the club tell me that her crying quits in a nanusecond, the moment I am gone from view. My point is that these "babies" NEED to learn about NOT being with you constantly. They have a natural instinct to "glom-on" to you. For your sake and your kiddos sake, just do it!!!! DO NOT feel guilty. She is at the sponge stage in her life...let her learn, see others, and always have that reassuring feeling that Mommy WILL be back. It builds trust.
Good Luck...and have a little fun out there!!!
Margaret :)
Oh...and p.s, dont get yourself in the position of the tail waggin' the dog...the sooner you take the reins, the easier your life will be!!!!
I strongly recommend it. It's a great idea that I think she would enjoy once she got used to it. Find a good one that is fun and loving. Not sure where you are, but my son goes to New Hope Baptist's preschool program in Cedar Park. They are an awesome group and as they get older the teachers have degrees in preschool education.
I'm sure you will be able to find a good one there are lots out there!
I think at her age, the best thing to do is to be honest with her. Explain that she is going to go to school to play with some new friends and that Mommy will be back later to get her. Maybe spend a little time introducing her to the teachers so that she knows who she can trust if she needs something. Talk it up at home as much as possible. Tell her all of the things they will do there (snack time, play outside when the weather is nice, artwork, playtime, etc.). She is at the age where she can understand most of what you're telling her, so don't shortchange her. My daughter's teachers last year used to say "Mommy always comes back" when I would drop her off. Now, she says that to me when I leave, although she has been in a church nursery and gym care since she was born, so she is used to being cared for by others.
Don't worry...your daughter will adjust. She may cry a little the first few times you leave her, but she will quit once you're out of sight. Don't linger around where she can see you, but do make sure you kiss her goodbye and tell her you will see her very soon. You can always call the school to check on her during the day. Good luck and enjoy your time for yourself, it goes by quickly!
