Q:
Our 4-year-old daughter hates going to childcare. She's been in the same one since she was 3 months old. She has a hard time letting go every morning and is very afraid of fire drills. We've opted not to send her on the days fire drills are planned.
A:
Year after year, daycare can be a real strain on some children. Being with family and with Mommy and Daddy is what they want most.
I suggest you try to find an alternative to the daycare your daughter is now attending. Have you considered a good nursery school where she will be preparing for attending kindergarten? Have you considered the possibility of her spending part of her day with relatives rather than all day, every day in the daycare she's now attending? Have you considered trying a new daycare? Have you considered going into your daughter's present daycare and observing how she's getting along? Some daycares have viewing windows where children can't see their parents.
There's also the possibility that some of the children are mistreating her at daycare. Something is going on, and you're wise to be concerned. Changing to a school or daycare with a very patient and nurturing staff may help.
Kenneth N. Condrell Ph.D Child Psychologist
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
