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DCB is 17 months old and has been here about a month. He just doesn't seem happy. He's used to daycare but I have a hard time getting him to join in on activities or interact with the other kids. If I sit with just him and try my hardest I can usually get him laughing and enjoying playtime but as soon as I leave to be with another child or clean, etc he looks like he's about to cry. He looks scared when I put him in his pnp at nap. He just walks around saying mama, picks up his shoes and goes to the front door, and carries the play phone around saying mama. My other kids are very happy I really don't know what to do. It breaks my heart that he seems so unhappy here. His mom really babies him, she said he always ends up in bed with her at night and I think she still nurses. I don't have a problem with that but it might be contributing to his inability to be more independent and settle in here. Any suggestions? Also, he doesn't seem to like any food I make him. It's getting very hard to want to try to make a connection with him. Frustrating!
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is he full time? -
No he comes MWF all day, he's with grandma the other daysComment
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I don't think that is enough time for him to get it....think about it, he's only been to your 12 time so far.
Some kids take longer than others to adjust. I had a DCB come to my care. He started full time and had never been with anyone other than mom. IT TOOK HIM one full month to get used to coming here. He screamed from the time mom dropped him off until the time mom picked him up. I almost termed on the 3rd week because the crying was scream crying and I just did not know if everyone could continue to take it.
I worked out a few things with mom and dad about the meal times and he has been super happy ever since then.
Think of him as a stray cat. When you approach a stray cat they are timid and run from you. Even when you try to offer food. Eventually if you hold your hand out long enough the cat learns that you won't hurt it and start to trust you. Eventually the cat will eat the food from your hand..... A new child into daycare is sometimes like this.Comment
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No he comes MWF all day, he's with grandma the other daysComment
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Sounds to me like he needs full time care in order to connect with the group and with you.
I've had several part time kids over the years and the ones that came in 1, 2, or 3 days a week took months and months to adjust.
From now on, I do not take on any part timers unless they are half days everyday, unless they've been in my care previously (no transition time).
If they won't go full time, it might be in your best interest to start advertising for a full time child.Comment
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its ok
I would give it more time. At least a total of 30 days of care before you make a decision if it is going to work or not. They say it takes on average 21 times to form a new habit good or bad.
Perhaps you should hang in there and keep trying.
DOn't battle meal times, let them just sit with the group and eat when he wants to.
At 21 days if you don't see improvement, talk to DCP and let them know what is going on.
I take children PT minimum 3 days a week if it is their first time in a daycare with set routines.
BUT I also extend out the trial period so that it gives me more time to see if the kid is going to be a fit or not..Comment
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I'm definitely going to hang in there. I love his mom and he's a cutey I just hate to see him so unhappy at times. My other DCKs all settled in much quicker so I'm just not used to this. Thanks for the responses. its ok
I would give it more time. At least a total of 30 days of care before you make a decision if it is going to work or not. They say it takes on average 21 times to form a new habit good or bad.
Perhaps you should hang in there and keep trying.
DOn't battle meal times, let them just sit with the group and eat when he wants to.
At 21 days if you don't see improvement, talk to DCP and let them know what is going on.
I take children PT minimum 3 days a week if it is their first time in a daycare with set routines.
BUT I also extend out the trial period so that it gives me more time to see if the kid is going to be a fit or not..Comment
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part timers are hard. He has so much attention and attachment from grandma and mom, he's basically in culture shock at your house. But if it makes you feel any better, he probably would be like this anywhere. He just wants his mom so there is only so much you can do. He probably won't ever love it there until he gets attached to the other kids and excited about the social aspect. That probably won't be till closer till 2 years old.Comment
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