Separation anxiety

LovelyCuppa

Blondiescot

She'll get used to it. Nurseries are more than capable of dealing with situations like this. This is often what happens when mums won't let baby go to anyone else...

How do we know the mum hasn’t been spending a lot of time trying to socialise baby!

I didn't say she hadn't - it said it was 'often' what happens. I went back to work full time when both of my children were three months old, so they quickly got used to being around other people - adults and children. My SIL, on the other hand, wouldn't let her daughter go anywhere without her and she turned into a very clingy child who had terrible problems settling into nursery and primary school.

My daughter struggled with going to nursery when she was one ten years ago. What helped her settle more was me taking her into the quieter room where the coats were stored, and telling her I would be back after teatime. So she knew exactly when to expect me. She has always struggled with transitions.

Georgesgran

You are probably right Norah but it’s a different World now. There were very few Nurseries (in my day) that would take babies, so children had to be 3 before they could start LA nursery and then either mornings or afternoons, never both where I lived. Nowadays, there’s pressure on Mums to get back to work, after (usually) a period of unpaid maternity leave. Most families now need both incomes, even after paying substantial Nursery fees - I know my DDs do and DD1 earned more than her husband.

I assume you're correct for you and yours.

I've long contended people can do without extras that 2 incomes provide, one&half incomes, at best, after nursery fees, tax, commute costs).

Rather one could work 2 shifts, nights, weekends or they could be on alternate shifts (thus no childcare).

Debate I won't win, but I find "different world" not a compelling reason for both parents working, yet some do find the logic reasonable.

Personal preferences.

As you say Norah - it’s what works for each individual family. It does seem from most posts that you are indeed in the minority here. My SiL already works silly shifts - one that should end at midnight can often go on to 3 or 4am, so he’d have been about as much use as a chocolate fireguard looking after a baby the next day. As Hithere also points out lots of Mums want to go back to work, not only for the money.

After many years in nursery schools and day nurseries , I am a great believer in gradual entry. I recognize how difficult that is when patents ate working. When the time comes to leave the child give her something of yours to ' look after for me till I come for you". A small scarf maybe. Some children do take time , separation anxiety is absolutely normal behaviour for many children!

It is very common but nursery staff will be used to it and normally the child settles after the person dropping off has gone. Most nurseries will text the parent to let you know they have settled so that might be an option.