What do you expect from daycare?

27 month old has to start daycare...not sure what to expect?

• Our daughter may have to start daycare, she has never been watched by someone she didn't know very well. I'm not sure what to expect from her. She's always been watched by me or my husband or her grandparents. I plan to talk to the Daycare and I may be getting a job there (which is why she'd have to start, I'm not trying to get a job there because she'll be there) but she'll be in a different classroom than me. I feel like we're just throwing her in the deep end of a pool with no training. Did anyone else have to do this and how did your little ones react and how long did it take for the little ones to get used to it?

• Answer:

  It'll definitely be an adjustment and she may have issues at first, but it's also totally normal. It's a new environment, a new group of people and it will be both exciting and overwhelming for her. But she'll be just fine. Lots of kids do much better than a parent expects. They have fun with the other kids, they enjoy the 'new' toys and the arts and crafts. And while she may cry when you have to drop her off, she'll have THE BIGGEST SMILE and the BEST hugs for you when you pick her up. (And she'll sleep awesome too!) It's different for every child. My son has been in daycare since 3 months old. It sucks, but I gotta work and keep a roof over our head. It's important to stay in constant communication with the staff and talk about how she's adapting. She may do great! But just always give lots of hugs and kisses and remind her you'll be back to pick her up later. You'll be okay. It's hard as a parent, but it gets better. Good luck! You'll both be just fine.