Making The Transition into Childcare Easier

The process of easing your child into childcare can be a scary thought, and more so for you as mom than for your child. Children are more resilient than we think, and getting used to change comes more naturally to your toddler than to you, if you guide them correctly. The following five tips help both you and your toddler to get used to the impending new routine:

1. Well before the actual time of full-time childcare for your toddler, implement some routine visits to the daycare. This will help the both of you get familiar with the surrounding area, the people, the caregiver, as well as the other kids. Pop in about once a week, a few weeks or months before your child is due to start it will make a big difference. It is also beneficial to not merely be a spectator take your child to the children playing and observe, and talk to your child about them, like how nice they’re playing, what a great time they’re having, and the creative tasks they’re doing. You can also allow your child to see who the daycare staff is so that her face can become familiar to them.
2. Once it’s time for your little one to start childcare, consider starting off with just a few days a week, for the first couple of weeks or so. The majority out of the week, such as three to four days a week, is ideal careful not to limit attendance to too few days as this may hinder the transition process! This should make things easier for both you and your child as it won’t suddenly go from always being at home to being at childcare five days a week.
3. You as mommy are your childs’ hero kids react to our energy and can sense when we are upset or anxious. Try to take control of your own emotions regarding the process. Talk to your little one about childcare, what new friends they will make and the teachers they will interact with. Read to them about children starting childcare and what great adventures they have there prepare yourself and them mentally and emotionally (not just physically) for childcare.
4. A great way to ease the whole process is giving your child an object of familiarity that they can take with them from home, to their place of care. This can be anything from a favorite doll, small blanket or teddy bear, or a prized toy. Once some time has passed and they are more used to childcare it is best to encourage your little one to be more independent however, so that they can attend daycare without their toys.
5. Another factor where you can make the change easier is how you as mom react when its drop off time. Sneaking away so that baby doesn’t see you walking away will not help the situation, not for you or your child. It’s best to ensure that they are inside, have a quick chat with the teacher if need be, give a warm and friendly goodbye and then leave.

The transition into childcare doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth. Always remember that for most of the time our kids mirror our emotions, so how you as mommy handle the change may very well color the entire process. Follow the five guidelines above and be sure to have an open mind. Having great quality daycare also helps the process, and if you feel you may need some extra help with your childs’ care, contact Stone Brook Academy for great advice and options.