Seeking Moms Advice on Transition from a Day Care Center to Preschool.

It seems harsh to me that they would take a comfort toy away from a child. I do not understand that. My son is in a kinder-rediness class w/ 4 & 5 year olds and several of them take comfort toys to school with them. They can only take them out at certain times, but still, I think it's cruel to separate a child from such a thing.

Honestly, I think they should deal, since they knew from the get go that this was an issue. Sometimes you have to be your child's advocate, I know from experience it's not easy, but stick to your guns so your little one will let go of his bunny in his own sweet time.

Hi J.,
I'm wondering if your son has a 'cubbie' that holds his jacket, spear clothes? Maybe you could bring the bunny to school but not let him play with it during the day. If he can turn and see the bunny that might calm or comfort him. Knowing the bunny will be there at the end of the day might make this ok for him and help.

My 3 1/2 y/o son wakes with a new 'favorite' toy or book EVERY day. It could be something he has had for a long time, but he see's it and obessess (sp) about it. So I let him take it with him in the car on the way to day care, but we have a talk b/4 we leave the house that he has to leave it in the car. He does so without crying and at the end of the day he is so happy to find that toy in his carseat.

Good luck. He sounds sweet.

I have a three-year-old who has had a "woobie" (small blue angel-bear blanket) since he was about 12 months old and it breaks my heart to think anyone would take it away from him. He has always used it as a way to "cope" - whether that is because it is nap time, he's mad at mommy, he hurts himself, whatever...he always has his "ole faithful" friend.

I hope your son's school will come to some concession and let him have him at the same time everyday - lunch, nap time, whatever. Maybe you could encourage the same thing at home...when you go to the store, he needs to leave bunny in the car...when he gets up for the morning, he needs to let bunny stay in bed... Maybe this way he will understand that there are times when it's okay to have bunny and times when bunny needs to stay in his school bag or back pack. He's too young to take away what makes him feel safe and secure.

I hope things work out! :)

E.

Hi J.!!

PLEASE, DO NOT TELL ME THEY ARE TRYING TO TAKE AWAY HIS BUNNY!!! My 3 soon to be 4 year old son has a "Horton" (soft elephant doll) that he has with them all the time. Not so much anymore, but he does have it and I pack it in his backpack and my MDO program DOES NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT AT ALL!! I plan to put him in their Pre-K program there as well. He has been attending this school since June 2005 (2 years old) and is now about to turn 4.

That is ludicrous that they are ever comtemplating that! My son use to carry his "horton" around with him everywhere and that is his comfort and when he gets upset or hurt, he wants it. They have NEVER GIVEN me a problem with it and even encourage it when he is upset or frightened! I remember them even telling me, Matthew didn't need his "H" out on the playground today, he is doing so well with that. He will eventually outgrow it, but that will be in his own time, not ANYONE ELSES!!!

I am sorry, but that just really made me mad and I am sorry that they are telling you this to do!

Good Luck!

G. B.

What about giving him something of the bunny's that he can keep in his pocket, like a secret? It could be something simple like a cotton ball and call it the bunny's extra tail or something. I'm not facing this yet (but will be in about a year I'm sure) and my son has his beebee blanket, and I have been advised to snip off a corner and let him keep it in his pocket - that this is a good method for a lot of kids.

So maybe something similar with the bunny (but don't cut anything off him -that seems cruel) A picture of the bunny? You could then bring the bunny with you on pickup everyday or something, too.

Good luck - that just breaks my heart to even think about his poor bunny being taken away in a new environment.