The first time that a child is in daycare can be as traumatic for you as it is for your child. It is natural and normal for your child to have some apprehensions about being in a daycare, away from his parents, all day long or even for a short period of time. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do that will make your child’s transition to daycare go more smoothly.

Prior to starting daycare, talk with your child. Explain why he will be in daycare, and what he will do while he is there. Take him to visit the daycare at least one time before starting actual daycare if possible.

For the first few days that your child is in daycare, spend some time with him before leaving him. Either you or someone at the daycare facility should introduce him to the other children in the facility, and try to get them involved in a play activity of some sort. Show him where his coat and boots go, and help him to find the bathroom. Let him explore the daycare on his own for a while, while you watch from a distance.

When it is time to leave, tell your child that you are leaving. Give him a good-bye hug and kiss; this will help him to understand that you are going to return. Then, once you say that you are leaving, leave. Don’t wait to see how he will handle it, as this will make it worse for him (and you!) Your child may cry, throw a tantrum, or ignore your attempts to say goodbye; his reaction will depend on his age and his mood at the time. The daycare staff have seen these reactions before, and are equipped to help your child get through the process of you leaving him there for the first time.

Sometimes, a child will repeatedly have difficulty when you leave him at daycare. If this is the case, be loving and firm with your child. Talk with him about what exactly is making him anxious. You may discover that he is afraid of something, such as a scary shadow in the corner where they take their naps; or, you may find out that he just misses being with you. Talk with your child, identify what is bothering him, and try to work through it. Eventually, he will realize that his fears and concerns arent necessarily real, and that you will be coming back for him every day.

Posted in Child Care Issues

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