Toured a Montessori daycare for my 14 month old 2 days ago emotionally prepared for her to get in next year. They emailed saying she can start next week. Any words of advice/encouragement on navigating this transition? 🥲
You can’t imagine the growth they will have. Also me, they will stop liking broccoli because another kid called broccoli “yuckee”. Wife had a harder time than me but once we saw her coming home as a different human we realized it was amazing for her.
Our little one started a Montessori day care couple of months back - she was 7 months old then. First couple of weeks are brutal, but it gets better over time. She started enjoying her time there. We did half days to start (check yours if they allow), then we did 6-ish hours, started full days just today!
It’s also a new learning phase for us as parents. It was tough to let go, but me and my partner got a renewed energy boost to make the most of the slightly less time with them. A bit more “me” time helped be much more creative with ideas for the family activities. Enjoy this next phase! ✨
It’s only hard at first, especially when they are having a hard time. Both my kids struggled for the first week or two and it was very stressful.
This is the first of many many many transitions, they aren’t supposed to feel easy, but they are necessary. You are a great mom and you got this. 🩷🩷
Know that the crying is normal and every kid does it for a week or two. Give them a big hug and walk away, don’t look back and trust that the carers will create their own bond with her and she’ll feel safe pretty quickly
I went to Montessori school starting around that age until 5th grade. It was a formative part of my education and nurtured my curiosity and love for learning. I wouldn’t be where I am now if my parents hadn’t made choices / big transitions like you are now.
My children have thrived in Montessori and I started them both even younger. Separation can be hard but I truly believe they had a better experience there than I could have provided at home.
My advice is much like everyone else here — it’ll be hard at first (drop offs especially) but when you see their growth and excitement to see their teachers and friends, it makes it worth it. Also prepare for the incoming germs. We battled a new virus, cold, infection almost every week for the first few months
I had to do similar at 15 months for my daughter. The daycare we transitioned to had a mandatory 1 week onboarding of half days Hardest part can be the new routine and new people. Daughter looked rough the first 2 weeks, but now loves the new place Can be tough but it does get better!