Nursery stuggle
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Could you show him and have him take in some flash cards with some basic needs/ things to communicate or maybe some sign language to help emphasise the words he's using? Mine(also a big clinger) takes a little monkey in with her as a comforter, it stays in her backpack mostly now but she always had it out in the early days. Is there a consistent staff member in who could give him some extra focus while he's settling to maybe help him feel more secure? Try not to show that you're struggling with it too, be honest when you're going and be really positive. Maybe they can tell you some planned activities and you can say beforehand "there will be paints today!" Try doing extra peekaboo/leaving him in a room and coming back/ leaving him with a known adult for short periods. Mine has always hated people and did struggle at first but when she got to know people there and how it works and that I'm back soon she has a lot of fun and has really grown in confidence.
The other thing is talk to the nursery honestly. He can't be the first child they've had that struggles with settling in, whilst sometimes there's nothing they can do they should have a lot of ideas and if he's struggling should speak to you about what he likes best at home etc to try and distract/redirect him after that first handover. E.g. my nursery even put a bit of bluey on YouTube for her for the first few sessions, they really made the effort and were so positive. Maybe it's worth exploring other childcare settings and having conversations with them about how successful they have been with children who struggle to adjust?
@Rachel yes to the consistent staff member! We've changed daycares a few times for various reasons and the ones my daughter found the hardest to adjust were the chaotic rooms where no one seemed to be in charge, different adult every day.
It’s a change in routine so you’ll need to also do something that you know he’ll like after you pick him up from nursery too to ensure him that you are not just leaving him there. We slowly increment hours for our daughter and don’t start full days after a whole term! There were days where she felt like she didn’t want to as well, but after a lot of different bribes each morning, she ended up going and happy to go because of the bribe I promised her in the morning, and of course, I have to delivered! 😆 it’s important to not lie and make empty promises, it can be that you promise to take them somewhere they want to go on Saturday, or as simple as making them dinner they will like. Anything goes. It can take longer to convince them in the morning, so this part is where you need to get flexibility from your workplace, if you work. And as STHM, you have time to spare to help them feel more at was about going in the morning. It’ll take time, but you need to try and work with your little on
Oh, jeez... I'm so worried about this for my little guy, as well... he'll be turning 3 this week and is set to start a half-day school program this coming fall. I'm quite nervous about the transition, so I'm here seeking any advice you may receive, and I wish your family the best of luck through these changes. <3