Transitioning your child to a nursery or child care may feel like a big step, and you'll likely feel worried about how your child will cope with such a big change. The first few weeks can be tough, as you'll miss your child and they will miss you. However, there are steps you can take to make the transition easier for your child and create positive connotations with your chosen childcare provider. Here are a few tips to help your child adjust:
Use A Clear, Positive Communication Style
You likely play a bigger role in how well your child adjusts to childcare than you realise. Kids are intuitive and can pick up on your feelings about them starting childcare. So, make a conscious effort to spend time talking with them about why they're starting childcare and why you won't be staying with them when you drop them off. Use positive language and talk about all the things they'll do while in childcare and all the things they'll continue to do with you at home. This can be helpful regardless of the child's age, as it helps set the tone that their childcare experience is something to look forward to and be happy about. Talking can help you realise the benefits childcare can offer your child, too
Arrange A Settling In Period
It's common practice for childcare providers to have a parent and child orientation day before your child officially joins them. This allows your child to meet their carer, interact with the other children and get acquainted with the facilities. If you're concerned this won't be enough to put your child at ease, you can arrange a settling in period you think will work for your child. This may involve you staying with them for the first few days or allowing them to start childcare for a couple of hours a day, gradually building up to full days. Alternatively, you may arrange to call your child at regular intervals for the first few days, or visit them at lunchtime and excitedly talk about what they've been doing.
Help Your Child Understand What To Expect
Before your child starts childcare, ask your chosen provider for their daily schedule and start implementing this schedule at home. This may mean tweaking nap times and meal times, but it will help your child settle and they won't have to adjust quite as much. Additionally, use age-appropriate language and props to help them understand what they'll be doing while in childcare. Consider having a picture book made with activities they'll be doing each day, such as finger painting and story time, or start making a point of telling them when they do something at home that they'll also be doing in childcare.
It's normal for children to be fussy at the end of the day when they've just started childcare. They're getting used to a big change and will also be tired from playing with other kids all day. Cuddles and some quality time with you back home will help them settle.
Share27 October 2016
Hi. My name is Susan. I have five children of my own, but over the years I have cared for more than thirty foster children. You could therefore say that I am somewhat of an expert in child care! I am also very astute at selecting child care providers that offer the types of experiences which reward and challenge children. Children's social, emotional and physical development is of tantamount importance. As you can imagine, many of my foster children are quite troubled, and I always seek the latest research in order to ensure I am giving the best possible care. I have started this blog in order to share my wealth of knowledge with others who strive to optimise the childhood experience. I hope you find ideas that you can apply. Happy reading!