I’m a bag of nerves today.
We’re going to visit the local school nursery which from mid month Big E will be attending five days a week.
FIVE DAYS.
OK, so they’re only 2.5 hour sessions but I’m still extremely apprehensive.
Before I had Little E I was working 18 hours a week over two long days. Big E spent those days with his ‘Nana’, who is actually my husband’s Aunt. He loves his Nana, and since he was just shy of 6 months when he began spending his days with her he adapted easily.
The prospect of him going to nursery is sitting less comfortably with me. He will know no-one and has never been in a situation like it before.
It’s my fault. We only ever attended toddler groups sporadically. Often I just couldn’t face them, then when I became pregnant with Little E and was feeling up to taking him the SPD took over and I physically couldn’t take him.
One of my main worries is about his boisterousness. He sometimes becomes hyperactive and plays quite ‘physically’. He’s not trying to hurt, he’s just being over enthusiastic. But I’m nervous that in a nursery setting this will cause him trouble and I’m scared how this behaviour will be interpreted.
Through the day I try and talk about nursery so he understands what’s going to happen and he seems really really excited about being with other children. He keeps telling me he’s going to share and be kind, both concepts that he understands now. I just hope that this understanding turns into actuality when he is faced with a room full of pre-schoolers.
So, later today we’re attending the afternoon session and taking a tour of the nursery. I have no idea what questions to ask or what to look out for. I just hope that I get that ‘feeling’ that it’ll be right for him.
It’s going to be a steep learning curve for us all and with a bit of luck, an enjoyable one too. When all is said and done he’ll embrace the change more readily than me and I have to accept that the apron strings need loosening a little.
Where did my baby go?
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oh wow – big step. I was worried about my son for opposite reasons – preferred not to play with others, very solitary and quiet but the best thing i found was talking to the teachers about my fears – you should – then they'll know how he can play sometimes, that he is indeed a lovely boy and adapting to a different situation – and they will probably tell you that they are glad you spoke to them about it, and that lots of other children are like that too and that its ok.
Then you can trust that the teachers are keeping an eye out for your son and it'll reduce your stress too – hopefully. *hugs*
Oh you sound so like me, go look back at my blog for minimad and preschool. I was so concerned, but the thing is they are used to dealing with mummy's like us. If you thinnk 2.5 hours 5 days a week is too much, will they be flexable???
MiniMad loves Preschool now and all of a sudden he seems so grown up. I hope you have a good visit
He'll be fine – nurseries are used to boisterous children and if there's a problem I'm sure they will let you know.
You need to take a deep breath and let it flow over you. Its another step towards them growing up and we will get through it.
There's a meme for you at mine
BNM
x
It's amazing how children adapt their behaviour between home and school or nursery. Honestly he'll probably love it, lots of kids to play with and art mess to be made
Wow – that will be me in 10mths time, when my Tom will be starting the nursery attached to the school he will attend. I am nervous already!
I hope it goes well today & that you will feel happy for him to go.
Having met the wonderful Big E I know that he will fit in brilliantly and have a great time. Expect tears though, yours of course! Good luck. xx
It's always scary when you put your child in the hands of strangers, even qualified ones. They are our kids and we hate giving up control even for 2.5 hours. Kids are more adaptable than we realize and school is where they start finding their independence from Mom and Dad, how dare they! He is very cute by the way.
I'm sure he will have a great time and make lots of friends.
My niece is 2 now and started pre-school a couple of months ago. She has literally never played with other children her own age (she's the extreme end of the scale!) and she's really enjoyed it.
You'll probably find that his boisterousness (is that a word) will calm down.
When my two were starting pre-school/nursery we had this book – Going to Playgroup
by Catherine Anholt & Laurence Anholt – they loved it and they still do
I know exactly how you are feeling. I also have a very physical little guy and he just started preschool two weeks ago. My concerns were that he wouldn't listen and have issues and breakdowns. The second day there he hit the teacher. I was mortified but they did a lot to calm my fears and help me understand that there is an adjustment for each child and that each child is different and they have seen it all.
Now two weeks later he has adapted beautifully and listens and follows directions. So while your little guy may have a few bumps during his adjustment he probably won't take long to fit right in with the other kids.
Having our children grow up is always bittersweet but I love seeing my little boy start to turn into a little man.
Ahh he'll be fine and so will you once you get used to the idea. I was exactly the same with my first but now i can't wait for the twins to start preschool, only 14 more months to go
When my son first started nursery the first couple of days when I picked him up I asked how it had gone to which he replied 'I can't play here mummy, I just cry'. That made me feel just great. I was filled with doubt as to whether I was doing the right thing. Of course he adapted very quickly and loves going now. It's just the first step in the long journey to independence. We're going to feel the same when they start school, then secondary school, leave home, go to uni, get married. It will always be difficult but it's in the child's best interests.
Oh, I am sure he will love it (and hopefully you will too).
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