He has been in daycare for months, but he doesn’t seem to get used to it. The other children come in happily, some barely look at their parents, but mine doesn’t. It breaks my heart to see him like this.
I’ve spoken to the teachers and they say that after a while he calms down, but when I pick him up I notice that he is still tense, as if he hadn’t enjoyed the day
this hits home. My daughter was the same way, and I used to cry in the car after drop-off because it was so heartbreaking. It took forever for her to stop clinging, and even now, she has some rough mornings. I know people say kids adjust, but not all do at the same pace. You’re doing everything right by checking in with the teachers. I started sending my daughter in with a small comfort item, and that helped a bit. But honestly, some kids just take longer. You’re not alone in this
Oh wow, I feel like I could’ve written this exact post a few months ago. My son had the hardest time adjusting, and I felt like such a terrible mom every time I left him crying. Like you, I talked to his teachers and they said he calmed down, but it didn’t make me feel much better when I picked him up and he still looked stressed. What finally helped us was a consistent drop, off routine: same goodbye phrase, same hug, and then leave quickly (even though it was so hard). It’s been a slow process, but now he walks in without tears most days. Hang in there. 
Oh, I hear you. It’s so hard to see them struggle like this. And then to watch other kids waltz in like it’s no big deal? Brutal. I don’t have a magic solution, but I just want to say that I know how much this sucks, and you’re doing your best. Some kids just need more time, and that’s okay. You’re a great mom for caring so much
It gets better! My son was the same way, and now he runs in without looking back. Hang in there, mama. One day, he’ll surprise you. 
Same here! My little one has been in daycare for months, and mornings are still rough. I don’t get it, what is it about drop-off that makes them so upset, even if they end up being fine later? Do you think they just need more time, or is there something else going on? I’d love to hear if anyone found something that worked because I’m kind of lost here too
I went through this with my daughter, and what finally worked for us was giving her something to look forward to. Every morning, I’d remind her about a fun activity at daycare, whether it was playtime outside, a certain toy she liked, or a friend she enjoyed playing with. Also, we started doing a short goodbye routine: I’d give her a hug, a high five, and then say, “See you soon, love you!” and walk out without looking back (which was so hard, omg). It took time, but it helped her feel more in control. Maybe try talking to the teachers about what your son enjoys most at daycare and use that as part of your morning conversation? It really made a difference for us
My son used to do this every single day, and I thought he’d never adjust. Now he’s in kindergarten and walks in without a second glance. What helped? Time, mostly. But also, I had to stop showing my anxiety. Kids pick up on it. The more confident and cheerful I acted at drop-off, the easier it got. Also, keeping drop-offs short—no lingering, no extra hugs after the first one, was a game changer. It’s tough now, but I promise this stage won’t last forever
One thing that helped us was a visual schedule at home. We made a simple chart with pictures showing our morning routine, and my daughter got to put a sticker on each step she completed. It made her feel more in control. Also, we practiced drop-offs at home, literally acting out the daycare goodbye so it wasn’t such a shock every morning. Another thing that helped? A special goodbye phrase or handshake. It gives them a little routine that makes separation feel predictable and safe. It takes time, but small things like this add up! Hope this helps. 