How do you handle the daycare pick up when your kids (1&3) aren't excited to see you? I am so devastated when they react this way and don't know what to do. I work full time and already struggle with guilt about leaving them at daycare (which they obviously love). I ended up in tears today because neither of them would come to me. Any other mums experience this and what do you do?
5 Replies
Awwwwwwwwwwww, that must be such a crap feeling. I don't have kids, but work in Early Intervention and deal first hand with children not being excited to see their parents at pick up time. Don't take it personally. Take the opportunity to think of it in a positive light, would you rather them happy to be at day care, or absolutely miserable!? And distressed at drop off and pick up? Its probably a sign they are particularly bright and love the challenges day care provide. Your children love you. Don't let it get you down.
My 17 month old loves daycare. He's excited to see me when I arrive, but purely to show me things around his playroom and outside - certainly not wanting to come home. I'd much rather them be happy and wanting to stay. It would be much worse if they were screaming and crying at drop off / pick up time. Just remind yourself you're doing the best thing for them :)
I think this happens to a lot of parents, sweetheart, so don't worry about it. All it means is that they've had a great day playing with their friends and that they're sad it's going to end now. They don't dislike you, they just like having fun. It's normal :)
I think it's great that kids love day care. But wanted to share how my DS squeeks with delight when daddy goes to pick him up and looks at me indifferently when I go. Hubby tries to reassure me it's because they see each other so much less often than I do, but I wish he shrieked with joy when I went too. It does reassure me though to see him happily go to his educators in the morning, especially when he gets cuddles and snuggles into their necks. He loves them which makes it so much easier to go to work each day!
Wow, I'd would have traded my left arm for this problem. They do love you and obviously they are in a good daycare. Imagine them screaming and crying ' please don't leave me' that for me was much worse. Be happy with the situation and good luck