Are you a parent whose toddler may be heading to daycare this fall? If yes, then you may be you’re worried about how your child is going to adapt to a new home for a few hours every day. Depending upon your child and home environment, your child may not have any problems transitioning to daycare at all. However, if your child
has only known as a primary caregiver and of decidedly younger age, it might be challenging for you both. In this article, we will try to give you some practical tips that will help your child to adapt to a new daycare.
1. Have a plan for the first day
You may take a drive a day before and show them the playground, toys, and other stuff which might excite them to come here on the first day. Also, inform them about the schedule. Tell them that you will be playing, eating lunch, studying and then you will be picking them up so that they know exactly what they have to go through at the daycare. If you feel your child would find it difficult, you may talk to daycare authorities and schedule a shorter duration for the first few days, and you stay with the child if they allow. If you have a job and will not be able to stay, then better leave an hour early and spend an hour with your child at the daycare center.
2. Use Transition Objects
Your child may be having a cuddly toy or a favorite family photo. Or anything that reminds and makes them feel at home. So, at times when the child feels weak, those items would help them feel homely. You can also give some things to the daycare providers
3. Develop a goodbye ritual
Develop some kind of ritual that would signal them that your child is now going to enter daycare and you will not be there. It may be a goodbye kiss or high five or whatever works with you. It is highly tempting to look back or sneak a look at your child. However, dragging will only make the separation longer and painful. Even if your child is crying, don’t look back. If you feel the need, go back to your and call the provider to see if they need you.
4. Validate Your Child’s Feelings
Doing their absolute best, yet your child may be having some issues. You need to validate their feelings and understand if something can be done from your end or the daycare providers end that will improve the experience of the child.
5. Give your child something to look forward at home
Help your child transition home by fixing up some enjoyable activity. It may be a small game together, or your grandpa is telling a story or some action that you do together. This will help transition your child and also give you some extra quality time together.
Conclusion
It may be challenging to begin with, not for your child but also for you. But if you follow the above tips, it would be a positive and enjoyable experience for your child.