Mother's day out program...to stay or not to stay? x-post

[texanatheart]

DS2 will be starting a Tues/Thurs 9-2 preschool/mother's day out program this month, and I'm wondering how we should 'do' the first couple of days. A friend of mine suggested joining him at school for the first visit or two (and maybe even just staying 9-12) so that we aren't just dropping him off at a strange place. I called the school to ask if this was doable, and they said it was okay, but they strongly suggest doing a 'quick hug/kiss and goodbye' as it tends to be much easier on the kiddos. He is a pretty easy going guy, but it will likely be tough the first couple drop-offs...okay maybe more for me than for him, lol!

I wanted to check with y'all to see what your experiences were with this and (in your hindsight) how you would handle it?

Thanks in advance for any and all help/suggestions!!

(cross-posted in Learning in School.  But I'm a working mama and doing a MDO program for childcare while I work.  Mods, please redesignate as necessary.  Thanks!)

[liberal_chick]

So your ds2 is almost 2?  Then I'd say they are right about the quick hug and kiss.  I work in the baby room right now and it does seem to be easier for that age group to have mom bring them and stay for a few hours the first few times, but the toddlers are a whole different ball game.  I can see it in my ds2, who is in the toddler room next door.  When I stay and try to cajole him into playing or just sit with him for a bit, it makes leaving that much harder on him.  He's much happier if I'm in and out before he even knows what hit him.

[laurabfig]

I'd agree that doing a quick hug and kiss is prob. best at this age.  I used to work in a pediatric rehab clinic and right around 24 months was when the kids tended to do better in therapy sessions without the parent right near by.  Maybe you could establish a consistent quick routine to say goodbye?  

This is one of those things where I think it is probably harder on us as the mama than it is on our child... :)

Let us know how it goes!