A Guide To Helping Your Child Transition Into Child Care
Starting child care can be a difficult transition for children. But with the proper preparation, it can be a smooth experience. It’s important to note that this experience can be greatly influenced by how prepared you are as a parent. Here are some quick tips on how you can make the transition easier for your little one.
For more on this topic, check out the full Childcare Options collection
Maintain Good Communication With The Daycare
As we all know, communication with other people is important in helping us to feel less alone and more comfortable. This rings especially true when it comes to talking with the staff at your child’s daycare or preschool. As seen at Story House Early Learning, relationships with families and the community are key to supporting children and helping them reach their potential.
You should also visit the school with your child before they start. This will help them to feel more comfortable and safe at their new home away from home. It will allow you two to bond with the staff of your child’s daycare. Once there, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the program. How are children organized? What is expected of children? What is the learning environment like? These are all great questions to ask.
Prepare Them With A Good Bedtime Routine
Teaching your child how to transition into their new bedtime routine ahead of time will make them more prepared for when they fully enter their daycare or preschool. Making the bedtime routine extra special by including their favorite pj’s and blanket, a new stuffed animal for them to cuddle with at night, or preparing a meal they love for dinner can help make the transition easier. If you follow this advice and let your child enjoy some time before bed exploring their play area, they will likely sleep easier during their first few nights at their new school.
Be Patient With The Transition Period
While preparing your child to transition into a daycare or preschool is important, it’s also important not to push them too hard when the time comes. Yes, it’s important to be supportive and encouraging in helping them adjust. But if your child seems upset or distracted during the first days of their new daycare, don’t pressure them. This could only make the transition process more difficult and raise your anxiety levels as a parent.
Allow Them To Express Their Feelings Without Judgment
If your child is having a difficult time transitioning into their new home away from home, it can be very helpful to allow them to express their feelings without judgment. Try to let them know that it’s okay to be sad or scared about this big change and that you are there to help them adjust. This is a very important time for your child to bond with you as their caregiver and learn how to trust others, so try not to get angry if they seem upset.
[Read: What Are My Child Care Options?]
Transitioning into a daycare or preschool can be difficult for children. But with the proper preparation and support from their parents, it can be a smooth process. By maintaining good communication with the staff at their new school, preparing them ahead of time with a bedtime routine, and being patient during the transition period, your child will likely adjust well to their new surroundings. It’s also important to let them express their feelings without judgment and to provide emotional support during this time of change.
For more on this topic, check out the full Childcare Options collection
