Separation pangs

Today, daughter had a ‘settling in session’ at a nursery.

We decided to start her 2 mornings a week at a day care nursery, until she starts nursery school in September.  I needed those 2 mornings to get my driving lessons sorted out and to help me get some time to start applying for jobs (excuses,excuses,  I have so many excuses:). Plus there was the fact that she really wants to go – she knows that she starts nursery in September and asks me almost every morning if it is September yet 🙂

The couple of nurseries we visited – she almost refused to come home with me – they must think that I am a horrible parent 😦 Despite all her enthusism, I was a little apprehensive about how she would be, when left all alone. She used to go to a daycare nursery, when she was little – but that was almost 2 years ago, will she be alright, now, after being with me the whole time? Today, was her first ‘settling in session’. Day nurseries have settling in sessions where the child is allowed to get used to the new environment. The first day, the parent stays on the premises but away from the child. Then the next day, the parent leaves the child for a longer time, and steps outside.And this goes on until the child is comfortable in the nursery. Most children have separation anxiety on the first day. My daughter, was an exception, she did not spare me a glance. Off she went and joined the other children. Not even a look to see if her mother was anywhere! The staff was quite delighted to see her so happy to join them and asked told me that it is up to me – to stay there or step outside. So off I went – window shopping.

Mobile in one hand – incase they call me and I don’t hear it ring in my handbag – that happens a lot to me, one eye on the time – don’t want her waiting for me. It felt so odd! It was ages since I went shopping without a buggy to push or a little hand to hold. With nobody pulling me towards anything pink or into the pet shop to see rabbits and guinea pigs.. It was very strange indeed. There have been days when I wished that I could shop in peace – and now, when I could, all I could do is go to that section of the shop – where everything is pink and buy a craft kit  – which she certainly does not need 😦

Finally, 45 minutes passed by and I walked back to the nursery – reaching around 7 minutes early. They asked me to go in and watch daughter play. Apparently she took to it, like a duck takes to water.  As I saw her, happily singing, all my worries melted away. Until she saw me. A little wobble came over her lower lip, I was worried, instantly, is she alright, has something upset her, did I make the wrong decision?

She ran to me,wobbling lip and all,  hugged me, and said, ‘Amma, can I play for some more time, please?’