When introducing your children to daycare, the security and comfort they felt at home with you can be compromised. However, there are many ways to help your children adjust to their new surroundings.
Visit Beforehand
Visiting your child's daycare before starting can ease the entrance into unfamiliar territory. This offers the opportunity to meet your child's teacher and ask about routines and common activities. While you're in the classroom, let your child explore and observe the class and choose whether to interact with other kids. The idea is to familiarize your child with the classroom and to let him or her get comfortable.
Remain Calm
While acknowledging this important step your child is taking and providing support, too much emphasis on the change could make any anxiety worse. Young kids can pick up on their parents' nonverbal cues. When parents feel guilty or worried about leaving their child at daycare, the kids will sense it.
The more calm and assured you are about your choice to send your child to daycare, the more confident your child will be.
The First Day
When you enter the classroom on the first day, calmly reintroduce the teacher to your child, then step back to allow the teacher to begin forming a relationship with your child. Your endorsement of the teacher will show your child that he or she will be happy and safe in the teacher's care.
If your child clings to you or refuses to participate in the class, don't get upset — this may only upset your child more. Say a loving goodbye to your child, but once you do, you should leave promptly. Never sneak out. As tempting as it may be, leaving without saying goodbye may make kids feel abandoned, whereas a long farewell scene might only serve to reinforce a child's sense that daycare is a bad place.
Transitional objects
A family picture, a special doll, or a favorite blanket — can also help comfort a child. Also, keep in mind that most kids do well once their parents leave.
Daily Ritual
Many daycare places begin with a daily ritual, such as circle time (when teachers and children talk about what they did the day before and the activities that are ahead for the day). Children tend to respond to this kind of predictability, and following a routine will help ease the move from home to daycare. Also, Precious Treasures request that parents help your child pack their backpack every morning before attending child care and unpack with your child daily at home while re-engaging in child's school activities.
Sleep Schedule
Another way to ease this big change in your child's life is to get him or her on an adequate sleep schedule at least several days, if not weeks, before the first time at day care. Toddlers and preschoolers need as much as 12 hours of sleep each night, sometimes more. Determine how much time you and your child will need to unhurriedly prepare to leave each morning, and make that your child's wake-up time. Then count backwards from that time, 12 hours, depending on your child's age and sleep pattern, and make that bedtime. Then keep to that schedule. A regular bedtime every night will help give a sense of security to a child in transition.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
A child's separation anxiety can be extreme. It may last for more than two weeks. Never react to your child's anxiety with impatience or by getting upset. Talk to your childcare provider to make sure your child's tears stop shortly after you leave.
At the End of the Day
A child's separation anxiety can be extreme. It may last for more than two weeks. Never react to your child's anxiety with impatience or by getting upset. Talk to your childcare provider to make sure your child's tears stop shortly after you leave.
At the End of the Day
Cuddle your baby and/or play with your children when you are home from work. Allow them time to just be with you, enjoying the parent who was missed so much during the day.
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