I'm going to kick this post off by being brutally honest with you. Let's jump straight into it. Sending your child to nursery for the first time will probably be the hardest things to cope with. Harder than labour itself I say!! I mean trusting a complete strange group of women to take care of your entire life's biggest treasure, how? It almost seems impossible!
Give yourself and your child time...
Nothing happens overnight. Remember that you were most probably the only person who have looked after your child from the day of their birth up until now... The separation, even if it's just a couple of hours - can be extremely hard and overwhelming, and it's ok to feel weak. One thing you need to remember is that your little not so little bundle of joy will be looked after by a number of experienced and qualified professionals, around other children their age with the most incredible, creative and fun activities and games that will keep them occupied enough to forget you even exist !! Of course it can be difficult at first, but your job is to stay strong and ensure your child knows that this is only for few hours, and that you will be back...
The 'mummy will be back to pick you up soon' rule...
Ensure to dedicate enough time to help your child settle in that your child requires. Start off by slowly disappearing for 5 or 10 mins, each time making sure your little one is aware of the fact that you're leaving the room, whether is to go toilet, make coffee or pop outside to make a phone call and you will be back. I know sneaking out sounds much easier and more convenient but you want to make sure your child trust you and feels comfortable within the environment and the people surrounding them, whilst being aware that you are not around.
Be the first parent at the door !!
Always ensure you are the first one to line up when collecting your kids from nursery. This way they will be called out first out of the room and prevent getting over stressed watching other children leave before.
Have a snack and drink handy for your child...
How extra !! Not really, at nursery they only have limited 'snack time' and food variety. By the end of the day or session, their bellies might just be rumbling. Every child will enjoy their fav snack on the way back from nursery or a drink.
None stop poorly !!
Be prepared for lots of colds in the first months as kids immune system is still very weak and with a little time your bundle of joy will be fighting off any infection like a true soldier. Honestly, nurseries are like germ traps. The kids dribble all over the place, use their hands to wipe their snort, put toys in their mouth and God knows what else. Keep your child hydrated, provide good vitamin intake such as fruit, veggies and lots of fresh air to help strengthen the immune system.
The guilt feeling is real...
It will be almost unbearable at first. None stop flooding the nursery with phone calls to check on your child. And they will encourage you to 'Enjoy some me time'... Girrrl please! I left my child behind in a place she has only been to few times with a bunch of strangers she doesn't really know and you're talking to me about me time? - That's exactly what goes through every mother's head. Give yourself some 'time' before you are ready for the 'me time' whilst your child isn't around.. And eventually - you will love it, just as much as your little treasure will love the nursery journey and new chapter in their life !!
Give yourself and your child time...
Nothing happens overnight. Remember that you were most probably the only person who have looked after your child from the day of their birth up until now... The separation, even if it's just a couple of hours - can be extremely hard and overwhelming, and it's ok to feel weak. One thing you need to remember is that your little not so little bundle of joy will be looked after by a number of experienced and qualified professionals, around other children their age with the most incredible, creative and fun activities and games that will keep them occupied enough to forget you even exist !! Of course it can be difficult at first, but your job is to stay strong and ensure your child knows that this is only for few hours, and that you will be back...
The 'mummy will be back to pick you up soon' rule...
Ensure to dedicate enough time to help your child settle in that your child requires. Start off by slowly disappearing for 5 or 10 mins, each time making sure your little one is aware of the fact that you're leaving the room, whether is to go toilet, make coffee or pop outside to make a phone call and you will be back. I know sneaking out sounds much easier and more convenient but you want to make sure your child trust you and feels comfortable within the environment and the people surrounding them, whilst being aware that you are not around.
Be the first parent at the door !!
Always ensure you are the first one to line up when collecting your kids from nursery. This way they will be called out first out of the room and prevent getting over stressed watching other children leave before.
Have a snack and drink handy for your child...
How extra !! Not really, at nursery they only have limited 'snack time' and food variety. By the end of the day or session, their bellies might just be rumbling. Every child will enjoy their fav snack on the way back from nursery or a drink.
None stop poorly !!
Be prepared for lots of colds in the first months as kids immune system is still very weak and with a little time your bundle of joy will be fighting off any infection like a true soldier. Honestly, nurseries are like germ traps. The kids dribble all over the place, use their hands to wipe their snort, put toys in their mouth and God knows what else. Keep your child hydrated, provide good vitamin intake such as fruit, veggies and lots of fresh air to help strengthen the immune system.
The guilt feeling is real...
It will be almost unbearable at first. None stop flooding the nursery with phone calls to check on your child. And they will encourage you to 'Enjoy some me time'... Girrrl please! I left my child behind in a place she has only been to few times with a bunch of strangers she doesn't really know and you're talking to me about me time? - That's exactly what goes through every mother's head. Give yourself some 'time' before you are ready for the 'me time' whilst your child isn't around.. And eventually - you will love it, just as much as your little treasure will love the nursery journey and new chapter in their life !!