Sylvia started preschool this week. Just 2 half days a week, but it's a pretty big adjustment for all of us. We went and visited the school twice before her first day. She loved it and didn't want to leave. But we were there with her, so we really didn't know how she'd react to being left there. She does pretty well when we leave her with friends or family, but that's different - and it's usually not for 4 hours!
I had talked to her teacher about how she finds it easier to help kids make the transition when parents don't linger too long on the first day. This was NOT a problem for Sylvia.
I had been explaining to Sylvia how it would be different the next time we went to school because she'd stay there and play with her teacher and friends without Mommy and Daddy. I wasn't sure it was sinking in. She was really excited when it was time to leave for school...
...and once we got there, she turned to me, said "Bye-bye Mommy" and ran off to play. I took her aside to make sure she remembered her teachers, and I reminded her to ask them when she needed to use the potty. And that was it. She was good! When Max & I went to pick her up, she was playing and having fun. When I went over to her, she said, "No thanks, Mommy. Bye-bye." She wanted to stay, but she didn't give us too much grief when we told her it was time to go. Her teachers said that she did great. She's still learning the routines and the rules, but she's doing fine.
Day 2 was pretty much the same. There was apparently a scuffle over a toy, but you expect that kind of thing.
Our plan was always to eventually have her stay for extended days - once she got used to it. I figured we'd give it a solid month at least, but we may have to ask if we can do it sooner!
