For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for May 11, 2022

traumatising, ain’t it?

We all have to go through that stage and there is no other way

April’s fear is not about being in a strange place, but about being abandoned by her mother. I wonder how she got to that place.

I did not have this problem with my boys. They were unafraid and independent. Inside, I had a niggling wish they’d cling a bit, feel safer with mommy, but being the way they were, it was mostly a blessing. Grandchildren are the same way and my daughter-in-law doesn’t like it. They are too much their father’s children. Lol

Knows what??

My daughter (now 35) used to grab my leg like that and not let go. I remember walking around the house with her attached to my leg. She earned the nickname “The Barnacle”. Oh, btw, her name is also April!

I can imagine how scary it is when you’re living in a world of color and your parents force you to move into a world where the people are colorless gray ghosts!

It was so hard for me and both girls when they were that age. They cried and I cried all the way to work and worried about them the whole day.

Of course she does. Some things are just known, no explanation. Intuition is strong in those that hear it then listen to it.

She should just pay her friend to watch her, the same amount she would pay a pre-school

10 minutes after you leave, she’ll be fine

See, this is why Dads just throw the kids off the dock to teach them to swim. Not better, but if it has to be done, get it done quick.

I hope Elly’s "you need the change, “you need to get out” ideas about working are worth this agony for her and April.

The first day is usually the worst.

How, then, did April manage to like being with Anne. I guess down the block is a lot closer than across town.

Of course she knows! It’s like the dog always knows it’s going to the vet or groomers! haha!

There’s grape jelly for lunch,if she lasts that long.

Nice expression of terror.

What makes you think she knows?

Kids need to interact with kids their own age to learn and gain confidence. My three year old grandson went from shy to warming up to new people quickly.

My mom worked in a daycare center. Standard scenario: The new child’s parent(s) dutifully followed the center’s owner’s advice: Just bring the child in, give her a hug, tell her you’ll be back to take her home this afternoon, turn around and go. Then the child cried—for somewhere between one and three minutes. The same thing next morning, and the next, but by the end of the week, no tears.

Why the bug eyes, Elly? April already grabbed Elly’s leg. Remember when she grabbed Elly’s leg on Sunday?

My mother related the story of the first time she left me at daycare (except 60+ years ago it was just called nursery school). She said, “Sweetie, I have to go now.” I reportedly gave her a look that said ‘Oh? Are you still here?’ and replied, “Well, bye!”

As with dogs, it’s necessary to start the socialization process early in life. April should have been around other children way before this age so she would accept daycare.

I used to work with the very young kids at church. When a new child came in, it was always very emotional. There would be crying, promises, not wanting the parent to leave, etc. The children, by comparison, were usually just fine.

My oldest couldn’t wait for playschool. She was quick to tell me it was time for me to leave once she settled in.

My nephew faked out my brother and sister-in-law. The first day, he saw all the kids and all the toys and didn’t even give them a backward glance.

He saved the meltdown for Day 2………

I don’t think I understand. Is Ellie going to leave April today? Or does “she knows” refer to what’s happening next time?

There was a GREAT line in Mad About You years ago, in which Paul and Jamie had to go away for a few days and got a dog sitter. The dog started to whine, and the dog sitter looked at the dog and said in a pitiful, mournful voice, “They’re never coming back”. That’s what this kid needs!

I did the very same thing my first day of Day Care. Grabbed my mom’s leg and wouldn’t let go.

Just like on “Full House”: Nicky and Alex were thrilled about Pre-school, whereas Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky were reluctant.

I found April to be a much more appealing character after the toddler stage.

Yes Helly, April knows you’re a filthy liar just as well as the rest of us!

I’d say you were two-faced, but all we have ever seen is the hateful and conceited one.