Will she be ok....re childcare

[munchie]

I have an 8 & half month old and she is starting child care this friday coming up :crying:

I have to go away - 3 hrs away for my course for a week :( my mum is going to be looking after her but she will be in child care for three days next week because mum works and cannot just take time off.

Im really worried because she is completely scared of strangers, she crys when a stranger walks past her, for eg she was sitting on the floor and we had tradesmen here to do some work and he walked past and she just bawled her eyes out. She bawls her eyes out if a stranger gets close to her letalone holds her!

Does anyone else have a little clingy scared of strangers baby that they had to put in childcare- were they ok?

Or any other words of advice or stories?
I just hope she doesn't have a break down iykwim?? shes only 8 months :(

I really don't want to do this but i have no choice. Im hoping she will settle in after a little while there :(

[~Bec~]

heh :wave:
I put DS in full time childcare from when he was about 7 months old. Not my first preference but long story - another time.
CC carers are very used to dealing with clingy babies and will have lots of ways to help distract her. She will likely get to do painting and other craft and fun stuff!
I'm sure she'll be fine :hugs:

[~BEXTER~]

sorry i dont have adcive but maybe if you have time you ould go to the centre with her and just play for a bit, then slowley leave.
it may work

[munchie]

Thanks Becs999 your right they would be used to it!! Was your ds shy around strangers at first?

keiaras Mum i was thinking that, I should get her in there for a little play while im there, because it will be my mum dropping her off, not me unfortuantly

[~Bec~]

Not especially but he was just so young when he first went :( Not many 7 month olds appreciate being looked after by a stranger :(

[MamaKoala]

I agree with Kiaras mum, if you go down there one day or two before she has to go in just for a little play so that she can play with the carer who will be caring for her, she may not feel so overwhelmed. I wouldn't leave on those particular days, just have the carer play with her while you talk to the director or another carer.
Good luck. Children of any age can be clingy. I know my son's had separation anxiety at 2.5 and again at 3.5. When they're grumpy or tired it tends to be a little worse and is always heartbreaking but she will be okay, as long as she see's a friendly face (your mother) at the end of the day I'm sure she will be fine.
:goodvibes:

[munchie]

thanks MamaKoala- i feel abit better now!!:hugs:

Ill definitely take her down for a quick play

[perrywinkle]

As an ex child care worker I would highly recommend you taking her down to the centre so she gets familar with the surrounds. They should let you leave for about 1-2hrs on you 3rd visit just to see how she goes.

The CC workers understand and just give them some warning when you go and visit them and they will put that little bit extra in getting to know your little one on those little visits.

If you have to call them every couple of hours they wont mind!!

[moochymoo]

Hiya, yes i have a clingy baby that doesnt like strangers, she still wont go to family members unless she has had half an hour to warm up to them! :laughing:
I put her in day care for 1 day a week at 11 months of age, i hated it, but had to do it and knew it would be good for her. She cried every time i left her for the first 3 months, now she is absolutely fine. It is hard to start off with, but they do get used to it and she enjoys the socialisation now. She has learnt so many new things too (she is there 2 days a week now).
I took her for an introduction for 4 weeks and stayed with her for an hour then took her home again, but it got her used to the people and surroundings before i had to leave her completely for the day.
She may not like it, but at least she will be safe, warm and fed - thats the way i looked at it and that made me feel better! :laughing:
She will eventually get used to it and enjoy it, promise!