Sending your child to daycare is very scary, but you’ve done all the research and you’ve handled the financial part of it. It could be work-related, you want your kid to socialize with other kids, or you might just need a couple of hours to get any errands taken care of. You as the parent know that you and your child are ready for this to happen. Here are a few tips to make sure the first day of daycare runs as smoothly as possible for not just your child, but for you too.
“Getting familiar with the classroom, before the first day, will help the transition.”
Check the Place Out – There’s nothing wrong with visiting the daycare with your child. They’ll get used to how the classrooms are set up, where they will have their bags and comfort items, where they’re going to learn, where they’re going to nap, and much more. Getting familiar with the classroom, before the first day, will help the transition.
“…it’s great to talk about their first day at daycare and how much fun they’re going to have.”
Keep Up Conversations – Whether your child is forming full sentences or is still too little, it’s great to talk about their first day at daycare and how much fun they’re going to have. Keeping your voice light and happy when discussing daycare will provide a comforting feeling from the first moment you talk about daycare with your child.
“Talk to the teachers beforehand about when they usually do nap time for the kids.”
Change Up the Sleep Cycles – Talk to the teachers beforehand about when they usually do nap time for the kids. Getting your child on the same schedule before the first day of school will be beneficial for everyone! Your little one will be relaxed and ready for a nap when everyone else is, and not forced to stay awake when the other children are up.
“Don’t linger when you’re dropping your child off.”
Drop and Run – Don’t linger when you’re dropping your child off. Give a quick kiss, a hug, reassurance that they’ll be just fine at daycare, and that you’ll see them soon. A quick getaway won’t allow your child to cling to you. They’ll be forced to be independent and figure out how to navigate on their own in a safe environment. In the car out of their site have your mini breakdown and your tears. It’s a big step for the parent too.
