Having a Hard Time Transitioning from Home to Daycare?

Here's some ideas to help:

While some children only take a few days or weeks, it can take some

children months to truly acclimate to a new daycare. This is a big transition

for them. Think of it as changing to a new job for yourself, but as an adult you

have more tools to use to help you learn and understand your new role.

Children need the same thing. Here are a few useful ways to help with the

transition from daycare to home and back again.

1. Make sure your goodbye has a routine. Create a goodbye ritual to create

fuss-free drop offs. It might mean giving a high five and saying I love you or a

kiss on both cheeks. Whatever feels most natural for you and your child.

2. Start with a short stay and then increase it longer. If possible start with a

part-time schedule or a few hours and then build up to more. Choose times

that daycare is doing activities that your child loves.

3. Talk positively about daycare. Even young children can benefit from

parents talking through how the day ahead is going to go. You can say things

like "tomorrow we are going to drop you off at Cooks Hill and there are going to

be other kids. You will have lunch, play with toys and make new friends. After

snack I am going to come pick you up."

4. Send them with their favorite stuffy or blanket. Things that smell like

home bring comfort so blankets are stuffies work well but your laminate family

portrait can also be helpful.

5. Expect some tears. Everyone needs a moment to decompress after facing

a new social situation and young children show distress by crying. Tears are

part of the adaptation process and as long is it doesn't go on and on, it can help

teach children flexibility and adaptation.