Starting childcare, or moving to a new childcare centre, can be a scary and emotional time for both you and your child. So, learning some tips on how to make the transition easier will help your child thrive at childcare.
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Preparation
By driving past your child’s new childcare centre, pointing it out, and telling them of all the exciting new toys, friends, and activities your child will be able to enjoy at childcare can build excitement and lessen the trepidation your child may feel during their first days/weeks. Taking a tour of the centre can also familiarise your child with the educators and they have an opportunity to see the other children at play, enjoying their day. The more times you can do this, the better. If you organise clothes, lunches, etc the night before you can make the mornings more relaxing, and your child will feel less anxious and tense. If possible, ease your child in with shorter days to begin with.
Arriving
If you allow yourself extra time to spend with your child when you bring them into daycare, you can settle them in with some toys and fun activities. When your child is busy and having fun they are less likely to be stressed when it is time for you to leave. Sometimes having their favourite blanket or comfort toy can help with any anxiety they may feel. When it comes time to leave, you should give them a confident goodbye, explain that you will be back later, and then walk out of the centre without looking back.
Emotions
It is natural for a child to cry when you leave, if this happens then handing your child over to an educator for cuddles can make your child feel comforted. Parents can also feel quite emotional when leaving their child and they may cry too. However, it is best for your child if you contain your emotions until you get back to your car. Let them see you are happy and confident with leaving them at childcare.
Special Time
As you are no longer spending as much time with your child it is important for them to feel connected to you when they come home. Setting aside some special time with your child can reassure them that they are still precious and that they are not missing out on you. Talk to your child about their day and be excited about their news.
Childcare Finder
There are so many childcare providers, some offer the same things and others have a variety of included extras. So, finding the childcare that works for you and your child can be a little daunting. That’s why there are websites to help you with your search. For example, if you are looking for Leichhardt childcare.
With these few simple tips you can make your child’s transition to childcare less emotional and stressful, and you can help your child thrive at childcare.
