https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:13:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280831 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:11:36 +0000 Bao 2280831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: see I like that you can use a name, I haven't even met them yet...it's a bummer! So cute about her school outfit :) @mrsjyw: thank you for following up! It definitely sounds best just to leave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280817 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:53:06 +0000 mrsjyw 2280817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: so just reporting back after our two hour play date! Teacher said he did really well! He had a few 30 sec bursts of crying/cry face but he participated in all of the activities. He did cling onto the teachers assistant (college aged) and didn't talk to the other kids (he's only really around adults aside from a few of my kids friends). But interaction/activity wise went well! The teacher said he did better than other "grandmacare" kids she's had before who really do need to cry it out a few days before they get emotionally adjusted to the change!</p> <p>We did make sure not to linger! We were there for a few minutes saying hi to his teachers and then telling him we'd be back. He did cry and say he didn't want to stay for 30 sec or so, but we left and he stopped crying almost right away! He was having fun when we went to pick him up and he wanted to stay! He waved bye to the kids and teachers. We talked about it all day after and I think he is excited to go back next week. </p> <p>I think it'll take a couple weeks for him to settle into the schedule and open up to the other kids but it went a lot better than I was anticipating!</p> <p>Good luck tomorrow and next week!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280688 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:50:15 +0000 Ree723 2280688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're in the same boat! E starts preschool tomorrow too and I'm so nervous about it! She's never really been away from me (longest was 8 hrs when I was in hospital having C, other than that, it's only been a couple of hours here, a couple of hours there) and she's quite a sensitive child as well so I am really nervous about this transition to preschool! </p> <p>Our nursery does a three week phase in with smaller class sizes and a gradual schedule (one day the first week, two days the second, three the third, and then the full five days the fourth week with the full class size). I'm only planning on sending her three days a week but I'm clearly a minority doing that as most parents here take up the full five days as soon as their child turns three. I'm hoping that doesn't make things harder for her but I just don't think she's ready for five days per week, nor do I think it is necessary at this stage.</p> <p>As for what we've been doing - we talk about it every single day. She knows her teacher's name and we talk about her by name all the time. We had nursery orientation in July and she loved several of the toys they had there (sparkly sand! Dress up! Horses!) so we talk about those all the time as well. We live on the same street as her school so we take frequent walks around the block to "check on my school". I've also written on her calendar which days she is going to be going to school - obviously she can't read yet but she knows the purple gel pen says 'school' so every night when she crosses off that day, she can see how many days left until she starts school. I think this will also help any confusion as she won't be attending every day and I don't want her wondering if today is a school day or not. And finally Llama Llama Misses Mama is one of her favourite books so we talk about how mummy is going to leave but come back when school is over, just like mama llama, and she seems to really get that.</p> <p>Oh, they also wear uniforms here and she is thrilled to bits about wearing her school 'dress' and pulls it out of her closet every day just to look at it. She's super excited about that, and we just bought her a Frozen backpack today, so that has pretty much sealed the deal that she can't wait to go to school. We'll see how it all pans out tomorrow afternoon though when moment of truth, mummy needs to leave!</p> <p>Good luck tomorrow - hope it all goes well....for both of us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280667 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:39:53 +0000 HLK208 2280667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm worried too about DD! DS did fine but he really liked being around other kids and adults. DD doesn't love other kids/adults at all! Just me/DH 😁 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280663 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:36:48 +0000 Bao 2280663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bebe: that gives me hope!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280646 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:29:19 +0000 loveisstrange 2280646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: Really good! Just really busy. Its been a long summer and a lot of rough transitions to get through. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280608 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:04:13 +0000 bebe 2280608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Let's hope she surprises you! My little one started preschool part time 2 weeks ago. We've had a Nanny since she was 4 months old and is very shy. When we go to the playground she doesn't really play with other kids because she's not too sure what to do. I was worried for months about the first day of shool. We have been reading books and talking about how fun school is. We made sure to explain that Mommy's and Daddy's are not allowed to stay for all the fun but we will always be back to pick her up and hear all about her day.</p> <p>Well, on the first day she was very shy and wouldn't leave Daddy's side during the initial 20 min free play. But once it was time to sit on the rug for story time she listened to the teacher and joined in. Once she got settled, the teacher dismissed the parents and we left. She was busy listening to the story and there were no tears. She does well with structure.</p> <p>I was a mess once we left and it was the longest 2 hours for me. When we got back to pick her up she was happy and excited to let us know about her day and there were no tears! Every school day she is excited to get ready and go. She'll even walk into class all by herself. We are so surprised and relieved by how she has been doing.</p> <p>Good luck and hopefully you have a positive experience too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280587 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:44:50 +0000 Kemma 2280587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: hey, I haven't seen you round the boards for awhile, how are you and your family doing?!</p> <p>@Bao: my big girl has just started kindy / preschool this week and what helped us was doing 3-4 visits where I stayed with her (over the space of two months) and doing lots of talking about all the fun stuff at kindy. Alexis just started on Monday and she did really well :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280572 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:34:54 +0000 petunia354 2280572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I think we have the same kid! DS has just first day next week, to say I'm nervous is an understatement! Good luck to you, I hope she surprises you and it goes well!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280550 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:18:58 +0000 loveisstrange 2280550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>She may surprise you! C has pretty much been home with me, DH, my mom, and a friend the whole time. When we took her to "school", she just kind of ran off and was like "bye, mom". She didn't even want to come say bye to me. lol. </p> <p>But yeah, don't linger and talk up how much fun school it. Just try to get her excited about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280545 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 14:13:48 +0000 Bao 2280545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone! I'll be sure not to linger too long. I think part of my anxiety is I haven't even met her teachers or visited the classroom yet. That all happens tomorrow, fingers crossed I'm at ease a bit more after that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280527 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:50:13 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2280527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't had this situation either, but I've taught kindergarten &amp; preschool and had a lot of "first-timers". @lilteacherbee: gave great advice/info. I wanted to add that, when my son transitioned from Twos class to Primary (preschool), I was an anxious wreck inside. I was nervous about a new drop-off routine, new teachers, etc. Of course I didn't tell him any of that, but I think he picked up on my anxiety anyway. The first week was really hard for both of us, but once I was able to let go of my worries he seemed to as well! So, just try to relax and project confidence that it's all going to be fine. Because, you know, it will be okay! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280231 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:48:43 +0000 lilteacherbee 2280231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I'll be in this situation next year, but I've been a preschool teacher for 5 years. My advice is to continue talking about school and how fun it will be. Reassure her at drop-off and stay for a bit so she'll be comfortable, but don't linger too long. Honestly, I've had maybe 3 kids who have cried longer than a reasonable amount of time after the first week. In each of those instances, the parents would stay for hours and it would be like ripping off a band-aid every time they'd leave. 99% of the time, they are fine less than 5 minutes after parents leave! Talk to the teachers about your concerns and I'm sure they'll have some strategies for you.</p> <p>She's going to have so much fun!! Try not to worry! But I totally understand because my son has been home with me or with my mom his entire life and I'm already a bit worried for next year ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280174 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:19:46 +0000 wonderstruck 2280174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: I think deciding not to leave because they're crying or clingy is a mistake - most kids are totally fine once tether parents have been home for a bit, and caving in and not making them stay might just perpetuate their fears and make things wife next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280166 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:16:12 +0000 skipra 2280166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjyw: that is reassuring! I volunteered at a program this summer and some of the kids were so inconsolable and clinging to their parents that the parents decided not to leave them. As long as that doesn't happen we will be OK! I honestly think the only tears will be when it's time to go home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280152 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:10:38 +0000 mrsjyw 2280152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: ds has been saying that a few times. He did cry but not nearly as bad as what I was picturing in my head. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280147 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:08:30 +0000 mrsjyw 2280147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ds is a grandmacare / wahm baby! </p> <p>I felt the same way as you and I was especially nervous last night! We just got back from dropping him off at a "play date" for a couple of hours. Basically a warm up, gentle transition into his schedule (mwf 8-1230) starting next week.</p> <p>His class was doing warm up outside on the playground so there was a lot of distraction. Instead of lingering around we told him why we'd been telling him the past month and told him we'd be back to g et him later. He cried a lil bit then clung onto his teacher for dear life. We snuck a peek after we did some paperwork and he wasn't crying but standing by his teacher.</p> <p>I'll update once we get back from talking with his teacher! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280144 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 09:06:52 +0000 skipra 2280144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are starting preschool in a couple weeks so I want to follow this. DS has always been home with me and usually only my mom watches him. His school is at the church where we go to Mops so he is familiar with it and loves to go there so I'm hoping it will be fine! He did tell me this morning that when I drop him off he's going to cry so we'll see... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280123 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 08:55:55 +0000 hilsy85 2280123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your preschool do a gentle separation or is it just drop off on the first day and that's it? Ours does a phase in over 2 weeks, so I thikn that will help. LO has been home with me and has never spent any extended time with anyone except grandparents, and he is also very spirited and can be clingy in new situations. However, I really think he will be fine! I feel like kids see other kids playing and having fun and they want to join in, even if it takes sometime. I'm sure the teachers will work with you to make it as easy as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280112 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 08:48:42 +0000 MrsF 2280112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I don't have any advice but we are in the same boat. M will be 3 in September and has been at home with me or with very close occasional babysitters her whole life. She starts preschool next week and I just can't even picture how she will do. Just like your LO she is very sensitive to any criticism. She is shy and cautious and not very physical. When we go to the playground all of the other kids are pushing each other out of the way and my sweet girl will just stand there and say "I wait my turn". </p> <p>I hope that both of our girls do well! I'm so nervous about this transition too :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280069 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 08:24:24 +0000 regberadaisy 2280069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not my LO but my niece and nephew were grandma care till preschool. Both cried pretty hard for the first week. My niece is a little more independent and was usually fine after my SIL left. My nephew is more clingy and A mamas boy and would cry for a while after and I think he cried for weeks after. But he is generally very very shy, very clingy, to the extreme, nothing like your daughter.</p> <p>She will be fine! We stress way more than they do </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/very-nervous-about-lo-starting-school#post-2280058 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 08:21:03 +0000 Bao 2280058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is starting school on Thursday and I'm super nervous for this big change. The past 3 years she has just been home with me, and only had a handful of others watch her. She can be pretty shy, is very spirited, extremely sensitive (if you say: "oh sweetheart be careful!", she bursts into tears) I'm so afraid she's going to have a hard time transitioning and I'll be a wreck during this time. I've been telling her about preschool for months now, reading her books, and making it sound really fun. </p> <p>If you had a LO that started preschool who previously stayed at home with you, a nanny or family member...how did it go? </p>