Finding a daycare center to watch your child while you are at work is no small task. You'll want to extensively research the centers in your area, to speak in person with the people who will be watching your child, and to make sure that the center and its employees share your values. But after you find a daycare center that you feel good about, you may also face another challenge. If your child hasn't been away from you before or if he or she doesn't have a ton of experience playing with others, you might have some work to do if you want to avoid tears on your child's first day. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Get Them on the Right Sleep Schedule in Advance
If you will be dropping your child off at the daycare center on your way to work, this might require the child to wake up earlier than they previously have before. A child that is getting less sleep is more likely to feel a bit cranky and that could make it easier for them to start crying. For best results, get your child adjusted to their new sleep schedule in the days or weeks before this big change to their life so they can show up well-rested on the first day at the daycare center.
Let Your Child Visit the Daycare Center Before They Actually Start Attending
Small children can sometimes be scared of the unknown. You don't want the first time your child sees the daycare center to be the first day they will be there by themselves without you. For best results, contact the daycare center and let them know you want to bring your child in for a visit in advance of their first day. Being able to meet the adults that will watch over them as well as possibly meeting some of the kids that are there that day may put your child's mind more at ease when it's time to start going to the daycare center on their own.
Set Expectations
Get a copy of the daycare center's schedule in advance of your child's first day. Talk to your child about what the daycare center will expect of them and what you expect. Point out any highlights like recess or snack time if you think your child will be interested, as this will give them something to look forward to on that rough first day. Also, communicate that you will be back and let them know about what time to expect you.
For more ideas, speak with the staff at a local daycare.
Share24 July 2020
Hello, my name is Aaron. Welcome to my site. I am excited to talk to you about the process of supporting your child during the transition to child care outside of the home. When children start going to daycare or preschool, they need assistance making the transition or meltdowns could ensue. You can help your kid adjust to the changes without strife by following the tips on my site. Please feel free to utilize the tactics I provide to keep your kid feeling supported and loved during this abrupt change. Thank you for visiting my site. I hope to see you again soon.