[jcoy]

My mother usually watches my DD, but she is out of town this week and it just happened that I had a job interview. The sad thing is I only left her there for 3 hours, but I felt like I abandoned her. She was crying so hard when I left. The ladies there said they had to hold her the entire time because she would cry when they put her down. She did go outside for a ride in the big stroller and loved it, but other than that she cried. When I got there to pick her up, her eyes were red from crying and she was doing that whimpering they do after they cry. I felt horrible. I know she needs to be around other kids to socialize, but I don't know if I can handle seeing her like that again. Makes me just want to stay home FOREVER!!!! I am going to look around for some play groups and other activities for her to join.

Anyone have any ideas on things I can do to help her get use to other kiddos???

[mckivigl]

I know it is horrible. It breaks your heart!! Just get her socialized as best as possible because it is going to have to happen sometime again sooner rather than later. Maybe practice with someone else that you trust just to run to the store.

[LyndaSLP]

[lhart24]

You know .. I have heard of Mommy and Me groups where it is a group of kids and parents... they kind of hang out and do local things together.. but allows the kids to socialize.. may want to look into that..

[tootsie roll]

I take my dd to the library every Wed. They have story time for groups of kids 0 - 3 yrs and 3 - 5 yrs. Check out your local library - it is free and my dd loves it!

[jcoy]

Originally Posted by lhart24

You know .. I have heard of Mommy and Me groups where it is a group of kids and parents... they kind of hang out and do local things together.. but allows the kids to socialize.. may want to look into that..

I researching that idea right now. She loves other kids, but I think it was because she was being left there without anyone she recognized.

[therbel]

When I was interviewing day care centers, I had one that offered to let me come in for a week with the baby and stay and hang out for the day. You should ask ( if you have the time) to do this, this way your DD will have a chance to get to know the staff and other kids, and you can check the place out!

[jcoy]

Originally Posted by therbel

When I was interviewing day care centers, I had one that offered to let me come in for a week with the baby and stay and hang out for the day. You should ask ( if you have the time) to do this, this way your DD will have a chance to get to know the staff and other kids, and you can check the place out!

That is a really good idea!!! This is a military daycare center and I think they allow you to volunteer your time for free daycare hours.

[itsbelong]

The transition stinks, doesn't it? Each time will get better for both of you!

[honeybabysaunt]

I hate day care too, but it has really helped my son learn to interact with other kids. He just started a new day care three weeks ago and he still cries when I leave in the morning, but the ladies there say it gets a little easier for him each day! Hang in there! Your little one needs to miss you a little bit... It makes it that much sweeter when you return!

[SoccerMama]

check out meetup.com for mommy groups or yahoo groups or myspace groups to name a few.

[Kmchamplin]

How old is she?

[targetaddict]

I second the meetup.com tip from pp. My playgroup...errr..my daughter's playgroup is awesome! We're in a metro area so there are tons and tons to try out and choose from. You may find that you won't have access to the group's site and will only be able to email the organizer for more info. This, in fact, is a good thing. Our playgroup is password protected and anyone interested in joining has to come to at least one event and meet several of the other moms. This is definitely a way for our group to be exclusive--excluding perverts and weirdos, that is. Our events have dates, times, addresses: all the info needed to come snatch a child. So, my advice is to be wary of a group that isn't password protected.
Also, the message boards on that forum are a wealth of information regarding all the parenting issues you might face. I have nothing but positive things to say about our playgroup.

Good luck!!!!

[jcoy]

Originally Posted by Kmchamplin

How old is she?

She's 16 months.

[STACIGAIL]

I Have A Daycare And It Is Always So Hard The First Week After That They Are Fine .. The Kids I Watch There First Day Is Hard Then The Next Day Is Better And Just Keeps Now When Kids Come They Dont Want To Leave They Love It
Keep Smiling

[therbel]

Just went and ckecked out the meetup.com site, it's pretty cool!!! Found 5 play groups in my area! Thanks OP!