Starting Daycare - Pittsburgh,PA

My daughter has been in full time (5 days p/wk, 5 hrs p/day) daycare since she was 6 months old. For the first week, I phased her in - first day, 2 hours; 2nd day, 3 hours, etc... I found it to be the best for BOTH of us. Although she loves being at day care and has so much fun, she cries everyday when my husband drops her off. The teachers have told us that she stops within minutes, but it's just enough to pull your heart stings. I gets easier with time, but the ultimate key to success is having the right day care!!! (the first day care she went to didn't work out for us)

Have they been to the daycare yet? I know our son was with us when we went for our initial visit, and he got to play around and get comfortable while we were there. I think that helped a lot. If your two didn't get to do this, I would call and ask if you could bring them in for a short time, just so that they recognize it on the first day.

The first time you bring them will be easier for them than for you, but the second time may be a little tough for all of you. My son was 2.5 when he started daycare, and although he absolutely loves it, there are still days when he gets upset when I leave. Are you dropping them off then going to work or somewhere else immediately after? It may help to give yourself at least 20 extra minutes, because you never know if you will need to stay a little bit to calm one of your little ones down.

At our daycare, the girls that work there are great, and if they see that one of the kids is getting upset that mom or dad is leaving, they will take them and get them interested (or at least try) in something else so that their attention is divereted a bit.

Good luck. Kids are lucky when they can be home with mom or dad consistently, but they get so much of the socialization they need from daycare. Hope all goes smoothly for all of you.

Hi, J.. I work at a daycare with all ages. It seems to be the hardest on the moms and dads. While some of our kids do take mornings a little rough, they do great through the day. Have they been introduced to the people they'll be with? That makes transitions a little easier, too, seeing a somewhat familiar face. Bring in a special blanket or toy that they like. Most daycares will allow the child to have it when feeling a little blue. Another thing, some kids do great when having been hugged and told by mommy that you will be back in a little bit to pick them up. Believe me it's definitely harder on you! Don't worry! You should call sometime through the day to see how they are. You could even pop in one day and check them out to see what's going on, you don't have to tell the daycare when you're coming. You can just show up. Good luck!!

Hello J.,

I understand your fears here. I did the Daycare thing for awhile then I decided ot open a Daycare in my home. From what I have seen, it is easier for the child with 2 simple steps.
Fisrt see if you can spend sometime with the peron that is goign to mainly be caring for your child with you for about 1 hour within a day or two before they start. Second when you go the first day to drop them off do just that don't hang any longer then you have to. The transistion should be easier for them within 4 weeks. The fact that there only going 2 days a week may take them the whole 4 weeks to adjust. Most children adjust within 2 weeks. Just know that after 4 weeks of going to that daycare if they are still crying when you drop them off they dont like it there for a good reason and you need to find a new place. This does happen. I just started watching a little man on the weekends and mom said he always cries when she leaves even when left with pap-pap. Funny thing is he has yet to cry with me, lol. Sometimes you get lucky and they will adjust quickly. My best wishes. Just remember the less time you spend droping off will be easier for them. An make sure they are starting to get comfy at the daycare within that 1st month. Good Luck and best wishes...

Hi J.- I understand how you feel, my 22 month old son just started for the first time today. He is also going part time. Fortunately, everything went perfectly! We went for a visit the day before he began, that way it is fresh in his mind. Maybe since you have 2 in different classrooms try and take them individually if possible so you can spend the entire time with that one child. Also, with your 4 year old, talk about it alot and get your child excited for it. I tried it with my 22 month old, had no idea what I was talking about. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how they will react, but I think it is hardest on the mommy!! I wish you luck and once you get through the first day it will be a lot easier on you. Take care- T.