Beginning childcare can be extremely exciting and nerve racking at the same time. For some parents, the process may be seamless... but for others maybe not so much! The thought of leaving your child with someone you just met can cause anxiety for both you & your child, but I want to share with you some tips you may be able to take to ensure a smoother transition.
1. Arrange a meet & greet prior to the first office day.
What does that mean? You will hear me say comfortable a lot in this blog. Arranging a meet and greet prior to the first day will create comfort for both you and your child. Touring the building and meeting the staff with your child has the ability to build up excitement for both of you. Not only will this new environment become familiar to your child, but it may ease emotions during drop off.
2. Build in 5-15 minutes in the morning to comfort your child before drop off.
Giving yourself a few extra minutes prevents you from rushing and the feeling of sporadic behavior that can sensed by your child. As a parent, you will have time to ensure your have everything, wipe tears, ease your child into their favorite activity or talk them through any anxiety that they may be experiencing during that point into time.
3. Have frequent conversations about what they can expect.
Most children trust their parents the most. Consistently telling your child what they can expect prior to their first day or before each morning will create familiarity. You could say things like, “you’re going to have pizza for lunch” or “You get to play with the doll babies today”. Don’t be afraid to build some excitement in there! They will have an awesome day, meet new people, learn and explore! I mean come on, What’s not to be excited about?!
4. Be patient, consistent and nurturing.
Every child is different but they all require nurturing and affection each day. Consistency creates a routine and allows your child to understand what their day or week will look like. Patience may be wiping a few tears each morning or giving them a few moments to calm down. Leaving at the right time (after comforting your child) gives them the opportunity to self-soothe (with the help of their teacher) while also letting them know that you acknowledge how they are currently feeling. Carrying out your consistent routine each day will help your child cope with separation anxiety .
5. Maintain calmness & reassurance during separation anxiety.
Remaining calm is crucial during this time. Using soft tones and confidence while communicating with your child is key. Not only does your child trust you, but they can sense when you are angry with them, when you are worked up or when you scared. You may experience a few meltdowns before the drop off process is seamless, but that’s what your childcare center is there for! Reassure your child, they will be well taken care of and have a lot of fun!
Transitioning into childcare will be a journey! Your center’s job is to make you and child feel as comfortable as possible. At La Vie Christian Academy, we encourage parent involvement! Allowing your child to experience you in the setting they spend their day is a game changer. If you are in the Hickory, NC area, we would love to meet you!