spoiled 2 year old starting daycare soon?

Question

i'm starting a new job soon at a daycare. until now, i've been a SAHM with my just turned 2 year old son. he's an only child, and spoiled - very picky about food (he only eats crackers, potatoes and applesauce - everything else is "yucky"), and naptime (he takes good naps, but only for me, and only in his own bed. when we visit grandparents, he gets very upset and screams at naptime) 

other than that, he really is a good kid, easy-going, well tempered, well mannered (please and thankyou, apologizing without being asked if he accidentally does something wrong or knocks over another kid while playing chase).

he's never been in daycare before. he's been away from me with sitters, even overnight, and for a couple weeks when i had a military reserve obligation, and he's fine with that - no seperation anxiety... but i'm worried about everything else as soon as he starts full-time daycare. i've been trying to work with him on things, and i know that i've made some mistakes (it's no one elses fault but mine that he's spoiled about some things) but i need some advice about how to get him ready for this, and some info on what i should expect?

thanks in advance, and please no nasty answers about how i shouldn't have spoiled him.

megan.malloy · Accepted Answer

my son started daycare when he was 2 also, and at the time he was an only child.  I planned ahead enough so that he was enrolled 2 days a week for a month, then gradually we added a day until he was full time.  he still doesn't each much variety at daycare, but he always eats something.  And I wouldn't worry about naps, my son is 3 now and refuses to nap at home but always sleeps an hour and a half at daycare because he's so tired from all the fun he's having :) 

I was so worried about my little guy, and he still does shed some tears when i drop him off but they tell me he stops crying as soon as i'm out of sight, i'm sure your little guy will do just fine :) You will have a harder time than he will, GOOD LUCK!!!

mums the word · Answer

You'll be surprised at how differently they behave when they are away from mum! 
My now almost 3 year old goes to day care (or creche as we call it here) and he is a perfect angel there, but the minute I show up he starts up. The girls at the creche have assured me that he's just like all the others his age while he's there. I would definitely advise making an appointment to speak to someone at day care to discuss your concerns and I'm sure they will reassure you that yours isn't the only "spoiled" child there. If nothing else it will help you to feel better.

AnswerDude · Answer

You will be surprised how kids act better for other people!  He will probably eat food for them that he wouldn't for you and lay down for a nap for them too!   Kids are smart and learn how to "play" their parents at a young age (even at 2).   

My wife worked at a daycare and would watch the kids change from bad to good when the parents would leave and then change back to bad when they picked them up at the end of the day!

? · Answer

You both will be just fine. He will surprise you and do remarkably well. My daughter will not eat for me at all but at daycare she eats helpings upon helpings of food. I am sure he will adjust just fine and if he doesn't, it will only take a small amount of time before he will. Don't worry, you're doing a great job!

Anonymous · Answer

You don't want to hear that you shouldn't have spoiled him, but we don't have to tell you that because you already know.  He'll adjust, but that adjustment may take longer and be harder on his because you let him get his own way all the time.  You just have to do what you have to do.  You can't go back and change things, but I guarantee you won't do the same things with a second child.

You should expect him to have all sorts of tantrums and hear bad reports from the daycare until he adjusts.

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spoiled 2 year old starting daycare soon?

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