Today was the 1st time leaving them with people they basically don't know. I put them in summer camp/preschool for 2 hrs a day. They are 3 1/2 and were so excited about it till I went to leave and then they went crazy! My son basically ran out the door and the teacher had to catch him It broke my heart. I wrote my number down for them to call me if they didn't calm down and they did about 15 min. later. She said they were huddled together in a corner! As I was going in to get them she came out and told me they stopped crying and were just sitting there but basically because they knew I was on my way to get them. What should I do tomorrow??? Do I just say "I'll be back" and leave them in that state? Today I walked around the room with them to try to get them to play and I think I stayed too long. Has any of your kids done this? I'm trying to find something to make tomorrow easier. I already had them pick out their outfits for tomorrow so I'm trying to get them looking forward to it.

By the way, we are in a ton of playgroups with other kids and moms, it's just I stay with them while they're there.

Awww... I would've been heartbroken, too.

My oldest started preschool at 3.5 for 2 days a week, 3 hours each day. She LOVED it. I didn't have to worry about dropping her off because she was so happy to be with the other children. She made it easy on me.

Our preschool does not allow parents to come in the classroom for the first 6 weeks. I would not go in the room at all if I were you. I would remind them that they have each other and mommy will be back soon. Hopefully it will be easier tomorrow!!

Give it a couple days, they should do better. If it were me(you can take it with a grain of salt, I haven't put my youngest in preschool or daycare yet, the oldest 3 had no problem with preschool, although daycare did not go over well at all) I would give up after a few days. I couldn't bear to see my kids miserable. I think a lot of kids cry the first day or two and then are fine. If it lasted much longer than that, I would know it wasn't a good fit.

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