Nursery Nightmares

I would keep her with you until she's ready. If this was a seperation issue then her behavior would be the same with babysitters and even grandma. If you know she is really sensitive to noise and crowds then I would keep her with you. When your not at church expose her to play groups where the situation would be similar to nursury school, but stay with her. When she gets used to the increase in noise and activity then try leaving her for 1/2 of church. Then leave her for the whole time. Eventually she'll get used to it, in her own time.

We have one we just let come with us. He may have one quiet book to read or color or a similar quiet activity. He usually chooses to sit and listen. (He's two and a half and very independent in everything else.) I see it as a part of his independence. He'd rather not be with the "babies" -- his words. I figure, eventually he'll go with his friends when it's a quieter setting. He does go happily when it's a quiet class with kids sitting. I'd just be patient with her. I know it's no fun having her with you, but if she's happy, it's easier. She'll go when it is more comfortable for her.

I don't suppose there is more than one Nursery? Our new ward has three, and I know that's not the norm. But another ward I visited had two nurseries. They have a little blind boy who can't tolerate the sensory overload of rowdy children, so they've actually split their two nurseries by noise level. Funny, huh? They asked me if my 2 year old was quiet or loud. That was easy! We sent him to the loud class. I feel sorry for the teachers in that class, but I thought it was a marvelous idea. If you have more than one nursery, talk to the nursery coordinator and suggest that idea. Or if you only have one, you could talk to the nursery leader and see what she thinks of splitting up the class for a half an hour or so, by pulling the curtain closed. The more rambunctious children could do suitable activity, and the quieter children could do a quiet activity. Even if you just did that for a week or two, you would see how your daughter does in a calmer situation. If she is willing when the class is quiet, you know that you've hit on her issue, and maybe the Nursery leader would be willing to continue that schedule until your daughter has adjusted a little better.
I was a nursery leader, and I don't know if all of them feel the same way, but I think they have the responsibility to help children transition from babies into Sunbeams--children who can happily go to class, obey their teacher, and sit still through a short lesson. If that's how your nursery leader feels, she'll try to do what's necessary to help your daughter be happy in nursery.
Also, I'm guessing that with just you and her at home, it's pretty quiet around your house. I don't have that problem with two boys! I think it might help to expose her to crowds. Take her to the Mall, the park, anywhere that is kind of loud and busy. When she starts to get upset, you can leave, but it should take longer for her to get upset each time you go. I dunno, it seems like it ought to work!
Good luck!

I think at such a young age you shouldn't force her to be where she doesn't want to be. She is telling you in the only way a little almost 2 yr old can that she doesn't like it in the nursery. Now, I imagine that you aren't getting all you can out of your time at church when you have to also pay attention to her. If you must be at church, then you may need to find a family member like a Grandma or Aunt to to care for her at home while you are gone. I don't really know the "rules" about LDS churches as far as how important it is that you be there every Sunday or whenever worship time is, but were it my daughter, I would find a different time or way to worship instead of putting her through stress every week.

My son didn't have that issue but I do have two more to try it out on. I know that it is hard to concentrate on the lesson being taught in Relief Society when you have a little one to distract your attention and everyone else's. Personally I don't like to let my kids run around the room when they are with me but if it keeps them quieter than so be it. I have learned to loosen up on that part.

Well I have learned from watching what other mom's do when their children have a tough time going into nursery. They will stay in the nursery and play with the kids and help the teachers and just try to make it more relaxing for their child that is having a hard time. Don't
let her sit on your lap but encourage her to play with the other children and you do that as well. She will learn by your example and your reaction to her latching on to you. So in a way ignor her without being mean about it. She is most likely having such a hard time because she is an only child right now and I am positive it will change as soon as she is comfortable with the baby when he/she gets in the picture.Just sit with her for the whole time once or twice then try leaving after the first hour and then gradually shorten your time in there. Whatever you do don't just disappear out the door without telling her where you will be and remind her that you will be back within a certain time tell her when the clock gets on the two I will be here to pick you up. If there isn't a clock in the room than get her a wrist watch...perhaps one with a timer. It worked for my son. That is how he stayed without being too upset.
Good luck and I hope it gets easier. I have a 14 month old and a three month old in the Relief Society with me so I understand how tough it is for you!!

Just keep trying, if it doesn't work for her, then let her sit with you. It took me TWO Years to get my son who like your daughter would love being at a sitters or friends house but would not go in the church preschool. Finally at 4 he loves going, loves his sunday school teacher. I didn't go to church for over a year because he didn't want to sit with me and sit still and it was a battle.
So now I finally just kept back trying and it is fine.

I don't think noise should be an issue kids her age are noisy, if she has an extra sensitivity to noise I would have that evaluated! Could be hearing issues or sensory issues that can be addressed now to help her. It is a genuine condition and can be treated I believe. Kids are noisy in school, on the playground and if you can intervene now you may ease her into it.

Just keep trying, see how it goes. It may take a while but if she is unhappy don't force it, maybe get a sitter so you can go to church without interuption. I think for my son it was just such a new place and not as secure feeling as home or a friends house. I never really figured it out, just gave him time to grow up a little and now we all love church again!