First Day Jitters

Am I the only provider who starts to get a nervous stomach a few days before the start date of a new daycare child? It never fails, I look forward to their coming arrival, purchase any new equipment the child might need and call the parents to give them first day tips, and then I start to get jittery.

I always tell myself that in the end it will all work out. And really, nine out of ten times it does. I guess it goes back to the "once bitten twice shy" adage. It's pretty hard to be completely optimistic about a new child settling into care when you have, in the past, had those few children who screamed, non-stop every minute of the daycare day for four weeks straight. Yep, it's the screaming that causes my anxiety. Is there anything worse than the shrill cry of a child who has suddenly found themself in a strange place with a woman he met for a mere hour two months previously? And it matters not what your level of empathy is. These children are understandably inconsolable. Ugh....my stomach is turning already.

Monday morning I will wake up with a feeling of unease. I will be tired from the restless sleep of the previous night. And then I will try, with as much hope as I can muster to be positive and tell myself that the child will be a dream and not shed a single tear. Yeah, I can lie if just to myself. No doubt that by the end of the day I will be bald and clutching on to my bottle of Jack Daniel's while my hubby tries to coax me out of the corner. There should be a word for the daycare equivalent of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; both for the child and the provider.

I have no real justification for these feelings that invade my body at the onset of care for a new child. Like I mentioned before, with the exception of only two children in my years of daycare every child has transitioned smoothly within the first few weeks of care. If I was a mathematician the average would be around a 90% success rate for new children. It does make me wonder just how bad the other 10% was to make me still shudder more than three years later. Who knew a 12 month old could have so much power to affect the emotional stability of a 37 year old?

New kids are hard. You are desperately trying to understand their needs, personality and innate set of attributes. And, in return the child is desperately trying to trust you against his natural inclination to do so. My guess is there will be a lot of tears coming from both parties. I had better make a run to Wal-mart and stock up on tissue. And I will do just that - right after I visit the LCBO!

Monday will come and go. The child will arrive, spend the day and leave. These things are givens. The question is - will I survive with my sanity intact? Let's hope so.








For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca