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I would read lots of books about preschool to your twins to normalize and prepare them for this big transition. I see kids' books on this topic in the library all the time. I think there's also a Ms. Rachel episode on preschool, but you can also opt for a preschool episode from a show they're already familiar with. Let them know that mama/dada won't be there but that they *always* come back! I tell my 2 year old this perpetually—I'm also a SAHM but use the daycare at the gym while I workout— and he always finishes the sentence (we repeat this at bedtime too, along with, "You are not alone!").
This is another resource you can show/read to your kids: https://youtu.be/Kr9j0UjLc0E?si=6N4YpSgZHpjmwUgl
Early preschool is great for them at that age especially when they haven’t been in daycare. Second the advice on books and shows that touch the separation anxiety theme - our kids loved the invisible string and the kissing hand for books. And Daniel tiger’s “grown ups come back” episode is also a favorite
We made sure to talk a lot about preschool in everyday conversation to help get them excited about it. While coloring, “you’ll do lots of fun coloring in preschool, did you know that?” While playing, “you’ll get to play with all kinds of fun new toys at preschool! It will be so fun!”
And especially when they ask for something I can’t do, like, wanting to paint (no paint in our house, I can’t stand the mess) or play more when I need to go back to work, I would say, “Did you know you can paint in preschool??” Or “won’t it be fun in preschool when there will be so many other kids to play with?!” It helps get them excited for the good things, in addition to the good comments above about preparing them for that separation.
Let them pick out some new backpacks, lunch boxes, nap blankets, etc (whatever school supplies you want). Practice saying the goodbye routine at home in a room - “I love you. Hope you have a great day at school *hug and kiss*” and close the door, then come back in and pick them up. Talk about listening to the teacher and all the new friends they’re going to make. Practice getting everyone out of the house in a timely manner
^^ this. Our kid freaking loves the accessories 😂. She wasn’t super into going until she had her lunch box, Yeti thermos, and backpack each day.
We read books and we did a transition of pickup after 2 hours first few days, before nap the next few days, after nap a couple days, and then the full day. Lots of talking the morning of about how we would leave him for a little bit and he would meet some new friends and then we would come right back. When we picked him up, we did the same thing - mommy/daddy will always come back for you we love you so much. It was really successful and I felt comfortable because I was building that trust with him that I was coming back. I made connections at pickup the MOST important - so excited to see him, so many hugs and smiles, etc. My son was barely verbal and 2.5 years old (speech delays). Every kid is different at the end of the day but I can’t recommend the hours buildup more - kids are human too and these are concepts they don’t practically understand until they happen so building that trust is important. I hate that the school tried telling me that he would be fine and I’m making it more difficult because of MY feelings. That’s not right and I reject that. Andy background is child development so I don’t appreciate the gaslighting still so prevalent in childcare institutions. That’s why I’m going into this so deeply - to help fight that in case you hear any stupidity from the school thinking they know your kids better than you or have any day in your attachment with them.
Your kids will love it!
Just remember that kids are flexible, adaptable, and will adjust great over time. There might be some bumps in the road, especially early on, but daycare at that age can be great for kids (socializing, immunity, etc). Plus great for you! We tried various options for all three of our kids (nannies, daycare, SAHP), and daycare has been overall the best fit.