How to make my child eat when in daycare?

Question

I've just started school, and my 19month old child goes to a day care that's in my school. So shes not far from me. My greatest concern this is her first time in daycare, and the people looking after her say, she doesn't eat, nor drink anything. She pretty much cries, but she does settle down afterwards. Is there something I can do to make my child eat in daycare??

Answer 1

Is she in daycare all day, or are you a part-time student and she's just there for a few hours?

If you are part-time, I'm sure she'll get used to it. Also, make sure her lunches are easy for her to eat and require little assistance. She might not be keen on having people help her or feed her.

If she is in daycare all day, I think you should go have lunch with her. Everyone I know who has daycare at their work goes and has lunch with their kids every day. That's one of the great benefits of an on-site daycare.

It might be hard during the transition period, but it might get her even more accustomed to it, knowing that she will see you every day before her nap, etc. Eight hours is a long time to be away from your mommy for the first time.

I don't think it would be necessarily more disruptive for you to do that.  

Answer 2

her behavior is normal she just misses you it's her first time in daycare how long has it been like a couple of days right she just needs to get used to her teachers and she will open up. if you can try going to see her and try feeding her maybe if you tell the person in charge they can get you a pass to come down to see her.

Answer 3

It can take children anywhere from a few days to a few months to get adjusted to new surroundings.  My youngest daughter cried every day for a month and a half before she settled in.  I had a child in my care at preschool one year that cried for 3 months... It just depends on their personality.  Some children can adjust much quicker to separation anxiety, and others take more time.   Just make sure that the staff at the center is greeting her warmly, and attempting to comfort her.  When you drop her off, make sure to tell her that you will be back (say something like: "Mommy will be back after lunch/nap/etc"), and also make sure to say goodbye... don't be tempted to sneak out when she is distracted, because that will cause her to lose trust in you.  So, make sure to say goodbye, and if necessary, have a staff hold her as you walk out the door.  Other ideas include: making a book about school with pictures of your child in her class and going home (make your own little personal storybook about her day that she can read with you, or leave in her cubby at school).  Don't linger at drop off... If you seem as if you are unsure of leaving her, she will pick up on that tension and feel insecure.  Make school sound like great fun, and emphasize when you will be back.  Children this age are just concerned that you have left, and whether or not you will be coming back- you are their whole world!  Of course she is going to miss you!  The best part is that when you come back every time like you said you would- she will gain more and more trust in you and the staff.  Just give her some time to adjust.

Answer 4

she is having separation anxiety she will get over it..

Answer 5

Make sure you pack at  least one thing that she likes to eat in her bag. Also you have to remember that they will eat when the are hungry and that it takes time to adjust to change.

Answer 6

I work in a Toddler room at a daycare and that is VERY common, i'd say 4 of 5 children do this. It's just until they feel comfortable. It usually takes a week or 2 for them to get comfortable and stop crying and actually eat! Sometimes it even takes 3 with the more dependent children.. So just give it a little while! Worrying is what you are suppose to do, but just trust me, I see it ALL the time! It will get better gradually!

Also: in answer to the other answer above: Please do not go in and try and feed her, It just will make your child remember and want to be with you even more and it will start all over again and just get worse and she will expect you to come feed her every day and wont get use to doing it herself. She will be happy to see you at the end of the day :)