Nursery School

She looks so grown up, doesn't she? I can't believe my little baby is in Nursery School. It has been a difficult transition- just as much for me as for her. Here is the story...


The first day the parents stayed with the kids so while it was an exciting "first day" it wasn't a REAL first day and I knew that the REAL day wouldn't be quite so happy and tearfree!


Day 2. Taylor walked in cheery, sat at the table, and began playing with the playdoh. I kissed her goodbye and left. The aide walked out with me and said that it seemed like she would be fine but if any of the kids get upset they would take them to the playground to distract them. Day 2 was only a half hour to help ease the kids in. I waited in the parking lot, holding back my own tears, thinking about how fast she is growing (dramatic, I know). I happened to glance in my rearview mirror only to see Taylor, on the playground, in the teachers arms and she was clearly upset. Even though I wanted to go and grab her, I knew it was best for me to stay put for the remainder of the 15 minutes of school. When I went to get her she was still sitting with the teacher but she wasn't crying. Her poor little eyes were red and swollen though. Before falling asleep in the car she told me school was "fun". Interesting reaction but one that provided a bit of relief. Pheww.

Day 3. Taylor had to be pulled from my arms by the teacher. It was awful. It was that dramatic scene that I was hoping to avoid. I waited in the car thinking that I scared her for life and sure that she was not ready for preschool. After about 30 minutes the teacher came out and said that she hadn't calmed down and she thought it was best if I took her home. Taylor fell asleep as soon as she got in the car. For the rest of the day and night whenever I brought up school she said, "i don't want to talk about it."

Day 4. I was sick all morning worrying about how this day would go and convincing myself that we were making the wrong decision sending her to school. Although Taylor said a few times that she didn't want to go, she willingly got in the car and was pleasant the whole ride there. We saw Ashlynne and Nolan in the parking lot and Nolan told Taylor how fun school was. We also brought an empty papertowel roll for the school's gerbil and dropped it off on the way to the classroom. These were good distractions because there were no tears until we actually got to the classroom... at which point Taylor turned and ran down the hallway in the direction of the frontdoor. The teacher went and picked her up and they said good-bye to me. Taylor was hysterical.

I waited in the parking lot for 20 minutes before I decided to call and check on her. To my surprise (I actually wasn't sure I believed them) they told me Taylor was playing and having fun. I knew that I should venture out of the parking lot but I couldn't bring myself to leave. I waited another 30 minutes and called again. I realize that this was crazy but like I said, I wasn't sure I believed them the first time. Again, they reported she was having fun and playing. I ventured to Dunkin Donuts and got a coffee.

Finally it was 2:00. I walked quickly to her classroom SO excited to see her. When she came out to the hallway she had the BIGGEST smile on her face. Not because she hated it and wanted to go home but because she couldn't wait to show me the painting she made and the lollipop she earned for no tears. What a relief. I realized at this point that we were making the right decision and I told myself that I WOULD leave the parking lot next time!!