 | i sincerely hope that you check this post since it has been quite some time since it was first entered. I am a director at a child care center/preschool, and I think it is horrible that someone would suggest to you that it is in any way your fault that you did not socialize you child prior to starting her at a center. Parents feel guilty enough dropping thier little ones off when they have to work without one of the "experts" laying the guilt on even heavier. All children go thought a transition period when beginning at a center. A 15 month old should be showing signs of separation anxiety...it is perfectly normal and means that you have a good strong bond with you child; which is extremely important. Infact, it is the most important thing for you to do for your child. The early baby years are critical for bonding, nurturing, and responsive care. I think that it is wonderful that your mother-in-law could care for your child as an infant!
Now, to help your little one transition into care there are sevral things that you can do. You can start by spending time at the center with her to show her that she is in a safe place, and it will help her to become accustom to her new surroundings. You can send special things from home to the ceneter with her...pictures of you and her father that are laminated in a protective file, a special blanket or stuffed animal. This will provide her with some comforts from home and help her to feel more secure. Discuss the problem with her caregiveres. Ask them how they are handeling the situation. Tell them how to best comfort your child. Are they holding and comforting her, or are they just letting her cry it out?
Give it some time for her to adjust. If you are in anyway uncomfortble with the center, then you need to question staff. 15 month olds do best in small groups with a high caregiver to staff ratio. Hang in there! |
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