I have been a home daycare provider for 6 years - in that time I have cared for many children.
I started a new child this month - we began with a play-date with mom here, the next day just the child for 2 hours. The following day, the full morning, including lunch. The child did really well during this transition.
The following week we did two half days (staying for lunch), the first went well (we were at a playgroup for most of the morning), the 2nd day - everything went off the rails...the child cries if not in my arms. If I put her in the high chair - hysterical crying. Forget napping, she will only sleep if I am holding her or patting her bum...which I don't mind doing, but the second I stop she becomes hysterical. I know that she is just adjusting; I know that this is a phase; but I have never had a child like this...I am having a hard time with it. I do all that I can to comfort, but I also want to encourage independence and my daycare routine. We are on day 9. What is the longest amount of time it has taken for a child to adjust? I need to see a light at the end of this tunnel!! She cries all the time. I feel bad for the other children.