Three Ways to Smooth Your Child’s Transition into Daycare
As your child gets older, he or she will likely be offered the opportunity of attending a daycare center. This is the perfect opportunity for children to socialize with others their own age, form their independence, and begin their education under the care of trained professionals. It can be difficult for parents to let go, but this is often a necessary step in growing up.
The transition into daycare can be tough for both you and your little one, though. After spending so much time together, there is a level of dependence that forms between the two of you. Breaking this by leaving your child at a daycare facility will be a challenge, but the three methods mentioned in this post can ease some of the difficulty.
Visit the Daycare with Your Child
Many daycare centers, like Our Future Learning Center Boston, allow parents to tour the facility when enrolling their children, and it is suggested that children attend these tours, too. A tour is a short visit that allows the parents and children to see the center in person, or virtually, and ask questions.
However, this can be bettered by extending the length or number of visits a child has to the daycare center. This differs from a tour as numerous visits allow the child to familiarize themselves with the daycare’s staff they will interact with each day, get used to the environment, and take time to play with the other children and toys.
Parents should try to plan a trial run for their children that lasts for a few days, ideally for a few weeks before they enroll in full-time care. This is the best way to prevent tantrums and tears when you leave them at the daycare center by themselves for the first time. Most facilities will help during the transition period, with some even offering two weeks to one month dedicated to this change-over.
Show Your Child That Childcare is Fun
After completing a tour, and while you take your child for numerous visits, you should also be showing your little one just how fun childcare can be. The simplest way to do this is by making the entire process of going to the facility, staying there for an hour during a visit, and leaving is filled with positivity. Daycare staff and other parents with their children can impact this, too.
But you should also put effort into doing this at home. You can find books, movies, and TV shows that focus on daycare to convey this message. They will show other children having fun in childcare as they learn. Additionally, you might want to begin playing school with your child at home, such as pretending to be in daycare, to increase their familiarity with the scenario.
Ensure You Have Enough Time at Drop-Off
Rushing around can make the drop-off more stressful, and the first couple of times will need even more additional time. It can be difficult, and you might find that both yourself and your little one become upset when separating. Heading to the daycare facility 20 to 30 minutes early will ensure you have enough time when dropping your child off the first few mornings.
Most daycare staff will say that even the most upset child becomes more settled within minutes of their parents leaving, so you mustn’t worry too much if there are tears. These professionals are trained to ensure children are comforted and happy when in their care, and you will no doubt receive updates as required.
By following the three tips outlined in this post, your child will find the transition into a daycare facility much easier, and you will, too.
