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I dropped off my "baby" at Parent's Morning Out this morning for the 1st time. For some reason, it was a lot harder to do than when I took my older son to his preschool for his first day yesterday. I guess b/c she is my baby and I can't believe she's old enough to be in preschool!

I was very positive when I dropped her off and feel totally comfy w/ the people I am leaving her with. She, on the otherhand, was quite unsure and teary. Her teacher said that it took her about 30 min. to settle in and then she was fine...but it broke my heart to leave her like this.

Anyone else have an experience like this? What helps?

Parents morning out.... what is this??? Who offers it?

Used to be called Mother's Morning Out when I was a kid. It's usually hosted by a church and you drop your little one off for a few hrs. a couple mornings a week. I have used it as a "pre-preschool".

Uh, this morning! Jodi wasn't pleased (and granted, I think it had everything to do w/ her waking up right before I left at 5:30 a.m. for clinicals!) She loves the girl who watched her so I know it wasn't that.
After a nap at 8 or 9 I think, she was better, but kept sayign mommy home soon. Sadness. I just try to remember this is only for a couple of more months for us.....

Here are what they call the ABCs of separation:

A-Be Affectionate (give a hug, kiss and tell them you love them)

B-Be Brief (don't linger, it makes your child more anxious)

C-Be Clear (tell them you will be back using simple words)

D-Be Directive (ask your child to join the other children playing)

E-EXIT (make a quick escape and don't look back!)

I think it is important to never show your child you are upset when leaving them, because it makes them think there is something to be upset or afraid about. Just act happy and excited, and she will be reassured by how you are acting. I am sure if this was her first day it was the hardest it will be. It will get easier as she gets used to the place and the people...the adjustment period is just tough. Good luck and I hope this helped!

Very helpful. I dropped her off this morning at another "new place" and she did awesome. No tears at all.

Great advise on the ABC's of Separation, my daughter loves going places and even looks forward to going to school. Also what helped me - before starting a schedule outside of the home, allow your toddler more "alone time" in brief periods, and observe from a distance. I've always asked my daughter if she had fun playing with this or that, and continued to do so when she started pre-school, even when she rides the bus, so in essence your are always setting her up for "fun." And it is always a positive if she tells me she missed me, that is always sweet.