[One_Happy_Momma]

My heart is aching!

Last night I polished our nails and drew a heart on one of our nails and a moon on the other, and told them to look at them during the day, because it meant mommy loved them to the moon and back. I also made them picture books for them to have during the day.

Both girls were so excited this morning. Sunshine had not trouble, she just walked right in and started playing and going down the indoor slide, but she’s familiar with the teachers and room, as she just transferred to the 2-3 yo room and she would visit the room often.

Here is where my heart begins to break. My Sweetie Pie was a different story, first day in this school. She was okay at first, but once she realized that she was staying, she broke down and cried. She grabbed on to me and wouldn’t let go. She begged me with tears in her eyes to not leave her. I told her I loved her and that I would pick her up in the afternoon, that I will always come back to get her. She watched me walk away; she had a helpless and tearful look on her face. I walked away in tears! Heck I’m still in tears as I type this.

I just called one of my friends whose child also goes to her classroom and she said that my Sweetie Pie was still crying for her mommy. – That was ½ hour after I dropped her off. Why do they have to go to school??? Why do they have to grow up?????

Should I go get her during lunch and bring her back with me? I could go during their nap time to see her, but I’m afraid what it could do to her.

I hate this feeling!!!

[BrockBaby]

(((hugs)))) I have given out many of those over the years. I own daycares. I've worked at them since I was in college. It is never easy when a child has separation issues.

I would caution you though on picking her up during your lunch....it could become what is expected. There are always the kids that cry, and it may last a little while, but I have NEVER had a child that it lasted FOREVER with. To be honest, when the parents hung around and said good bye five different times, it always made it worse. Talk to her on your way to school. Tell her that you will be there after work to pick her up. That you love her. I loved the fingernail painting by the way. If she is at a good place, I am sure they are reassuring her, and telling her mommy will be back. When you go to pick her up, reiterate that, "See Mommy picked you up, just like I said I would! Now, tell me about something you did today!"

I know it is very tempting to go check on them. Honestly though, during nap time is the WORSE time. The kids ARE tired....and in the end, you'll have to leave again...which will in turn have her upset again. But in the meantime, if she is crying very loudly and upset she may wake the other children. Then the poor teacher!!!!! LOL It also says, if you take her with you, if you cry you can come..so it leads to crying to come. I KNOW that she loves you!! I KNOW that you love her....and it is difficult. It breaks MY heart when the kids cry. Perhaps you could even talk to her about it, calm her fears, ect. Maybe even promise her a lunch date with mommy once she gets use to coming to school....no tears when you leave....can you explain things like that to her and she understand??

[loveajax]

You got great advice from the "expert"...trust me, it gets easier!!! Pretty soon, I suspect she will be running into class giggling! Hang in there. I nearly lost my mind the first day DD started "preschool."

[BrockBaby]

thanks ajax, not sure I'm an "expert" but been there done that A LOT! LOL

One other thing I was thinking about. I had one little boy who would CRY CRY CRY CLING CLING CLING when his mom dropped him off. YET, when she picked him up at the end of the night...he RAN from her, saying I WANT TO STAY AT SCHOOL!!!!! Next morning..cry cry cry...next night I DON'T WANT TO GO! So, it's normal. And yes, most do get to the point where they come in and are ready to get the day started!

[loveajax]

Brock, it's so funny too...Last week, a new student started and she AND her mom were crying, clinging to each other. DD observed this and came barreling towards me going "Mama, don't leave me!" (she never does this...such a great actress!). I wanted to say to the mom, "lady, get the heck outta here!" hahahah. But I know I would have done the same thing!

I have sooooo much respect for DD's preschool teachers and the administrator. They are totally totally amazing people!!

[BrockBaby]

LOL!


I remember my mom being all upset my first day of preschool, and me looking at her and saying, "Stop it, you are embarrasing me!!!!"

[One_Happy_Momma]

Oh, Brock, I love you!!! Thank you so much for your words. My brain knows not to go see her, my heart and my brain don't always communicate.

Ajax- Thanks, I know that it will get easier, I just wish it hadn't been so traumatic. I hope my daughter didn't get all the other kids crying.

When I noticed myself breaking down, I told the teacher that if I stayed longer I would be prolonging our misery and handed her over to her.

I will call to check on her.

Thank you guys!!

[BrockBaby]

awwww you are welcome! I would have given you a hug and TOLD you to call me later!

Have a good day!!! I am sure your little one is going to do great!

[loveajax]

Lupe, I hope it went well today! Hang in there!!!

[One_Happy_Momma]

Thanks guys!

I called earlier and the aide said that she has been crying off and on, but seemed to be doing better. They were getting ready to have lunch (her favorite part of the day), then it was nap time; she should be napping right about now.

After school, I'm taking them to buy some nail polish as they both really enjoyed it last night. - I did too! I loved seeing Sunshine trying to blow dry her nails only to have the nail polish end up on her lips.

[maricela]

I laughed as I read that Sunshine was a little trooper! She's SO funny!

Oh but my heart breaks for poor Sweetie Pie! She'll go fine though. It'll take time for her to adjust to her new surroundings.

Mommy will be fine too...it doesn't matter how old they get, you still hurt every year.

I dropped Daniella off at Kinder yesterday and she cried when I left. There was a sweet little girl in line with her that told her "It's OK, I'll be your friend" and she held her hand. I wish I had my camera to capture that moment.

Manny started 8th grade and he did NOT want me to drop him off at school. My DH dropped him off near school. I was so sad. Sorry - there are no words of wisdom from this mommy...I cry every year

[One_Happy_Momma]

Oh, Maricela, you know Sweetie Pie IRL and I'm sure you know how hard this day must've been for her.

When I picked her up this PM she was in the playground riding a bike. I wanted to sneak a peek a little longer, but one of the kids saw me and ran over to her to tell her I was there. She sure was happy to see me. We then walked over to her classroom and spend about 15 minutes there, just the two of us, she told me all about the many books they have, the computers, and showed me her new toothbrush. I'm hoping tomorrow is a better experience for her.

We then went to the store to get her some nail polish. She still wants to keep the heart and moon; we just added a flower. She wanted some make-up (chap stick), and I told her I would buy it for her if she didn't cry when I dropped her off in the morning- we'll see!


...And Maricela, that's so cute about Daniella and that little girl. Isn't it wonderful to see sweet kids, especially in times like these.

...And Manny, near school? Oh, boy!

[kelceesmom]

Lupe,
Been there and it hurts like the dickens. I know you remember my terrible months with Kelcee. I finally learned that I needed to kiss and run. I did much better during the day too. They do adjust and as long as they are in a loving environment that is all we can ask for. Sweetie will adjust, she is so much like Kelcee. A mama's girl. We just want them to stay small forever don't we? Yet we can't wait for them to grow and share new adventures with them.

Don't go get her early you will open a can of worms. The school will keep you informed if any changes are warrented. Give her big hugs from us, you and Sunshine too!

[One_Happy_Momma]

Denice- Oh, yes, I remember! Is she happy to go now?

Just seeing my baby cry, giving me that helpless and pleading look, and knowing that I will walk away from her, just ughh.

Anyways, I'll let you wonderful people know how we do tomorrow.

THANK YOU!!!!!

[pechocha]

Lupe,

Hope everything went well this morning. I know how hard that must be for Sweetie Pie and you. I am dreading that moment with Sophia at Kinder, but knowing Sophia, she will be all excited and happy to attend "school" while Mommy will be a mess. Our "babies" are growing so fast.