[Vicki H]

Alex starts daycare and I am a nervous wreck. He seems excited, but I doubt he realizes this means he will not be going to my sisters anymore and playing with the kids and swimming in her pool daily.

My mom may take him on fridays to swim at her house, but other than that he will be in daycare.

They seem really nice and the daycare is reputable, but I cannot help but worry since another local daycare recently made the news when a male teachers aide did something unspeakable to a three year old. I won't get into details , it's too upsetting.

The daycare Alex will be attending is a family owned business and has been around for over 20 years.

I hope I make it through the day, I considered taking the day off, but then the temptation to go and get him would be too great.

I always thought I would be calm when my child went to daycare, instead I am neurotic....LOL

[leeinmemphis]

Our boys are a little bit older than Alex but they really enjoy "school"... they really start Kindergarten this year but I have always told them that mommy has a job and daddy has a job so that we can have a nice life, be able to do fun things like vacations etc and they can go to college.. and we tell them that their job is "school" and learning all that they can at school.

So, in our house we all go off to our "jobs" every day and life is grand. I have found over the two years that they have been home that their little lives revolve greatly around daycare and you'd be surprised how much they grow to love and care for other kids in their class, their teacher etc. Its quite touching .. for instance my dad took them to swimming lessons last night and then to chick fil a and they ran into two other kids from their "old school" (the daycare they were in the first year home) and they had a ball playing and their mom told my dad "We have known them since they first came to the US and its been so much fun running into them around town and seeing how they have grown"... it was very sweet.

It has also taught them a lot of life lessons around "not so nice kids", when someone's parent dies (which is the ultimate in hard to deal with for me!) and other things that go on that they probably wouldnt encounter if they werent in Daycare/school.

It will probably be hard for you and him the first week or so and then it will be better!

good luck!

alli

[Pinkie]

Vicki, its always a worry especially when you start thinking unthinkable thoughts. I'm sure you've done your homework on the daycare facilities/staff etc so try and not worry. Update us on how Alex's gets on (and how Mommy's doing for that matter).

[skiboo]

Those first few mornings will be tough... but it does get easier with time.

Keep us updated.... on both you and Alex.

[waitinginnj]

We start a new camp on Monday too. I know that Alex will love it, once he adjusts.

Be strong mommy!

[angelkisses0102]

Vicki~

Just keep talking to him about it and stick with a routine...and just keep reminding him that you will always come back. We make a point of saying who will pick Ari up...although now it's always me since she's part time, LOL.

Typically the first days are harder on the mommy...and it usually take a weekend home and then back to daycare before the 'reality' sets in for the kiddos...meaning tears at drop off. That usually only lasts about 5 minutes and then something exciting will catch his attention. But that is perfectly normal...he so well adjusted that he will probably do great and have a ball. And make tons of new friends and then all those birthdays party invites will start rolling in...

He'll do fine!

[DebiP]

He (and you) will be great no worries...dont fret the small stuff....

[Sally26]

The first day will be the worst, but he will probably do better than you.

Luckily he is old enough to tell you about his day.

They say kids that go to day care adjust to school better, get all the communicable diseases before school and so are out less often.

Let us know how it goes!

[lovestruck]

If your weren't nervous that's what would be worrisome

I hope the day will go by quickly for both of you!

[bratgirl]

Don't fell bad, I had to send Drew when he was only 8 mos old! Now that was HARD!!!!! Hayden and Helena love school. They are taking the summer off and I'm playing SAHM. I may even get to come on here now!

I've been insane finishing up the school year and trying to manage the three of them! Some days, I need 48 hours, just to get everything done!

The great thing about daycare/preschool is all the friends the kids make. They also make great gifts for you! If Helena was in private daycare, she wouldn't have learned everything she has in preschool. I try to spend one on one time and work on stuff, but she is leaning things so fast. I wouldn't have expected her to count to 20 and know her alphabet already. She also has learned to recognize her name and is somewhat able o write it - she's only 2 1/2!! I wouldn't have thought to teach her that yet!!! Hayden has also made greater advances with his language development from being there. I think it really helped him get ready for kindergarten this fall.

Good luck Alex!!!

[Vicki H]

Thanks for all of the advice and well wishes. I am sure Alex will love it, it's mom who is worried...LOL

[cathvash]

Never say "goodbye". Say "I'll see you after nap" or "...after lunch" etc.

Good luck! The first day is the worst!!