Children are naturally resistant to change, which can be good and bad for parents. Because kids like routine, it can make daily life predictable and easy for busy parents. However, when you need to introduce a new activity, such as daily child care, kids can struggle. Here are three ways to help your little one to transition into day care happily.
1. Start Small
Instead of enrolling your child in a full-day child care program, start as small as possible. Ask child care centers if they offer hourly care, and leave your little one for an hour or two as they get to know the center and their teachers.
If the business is a good fit for your child, they may start to become so comfortable that they don't like to leave, and you could transition into longer spans at the center. This gradual transition is easier for kids, and it helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Line Up Your Schedule
It can be hard for kids to cope with child care when they aren't sure what will happen next. However, it can take awhile for kids to adjust to the schedule at school if things aren't the same at home. To make things easier, find out more about the school schedule and try to line up your home schedule to mimic that.
For instance, on days when your little one won't be going to child care, start your day at the same time they would report to school, have playtime when the school does, and eat snacks when they would. That way, your child can feel secure with the schedule, since they will know what to expect.
3. Be Reliable
Your child may struggle if they don't know when you will be there to pick them up. Make sure you are always on time to get them from child care, and never leave them waiting. Drop them off the same way every morning, because kids like consistency when it comes to routines.
Remember, even the most prepared parents can be taken off-guard with an uncooperative kid the first day of day care. Try to be patient with their experience, and never be afraid to rely on their teachers for help. Kind, caring child care specialists know how to distract your child with fun, interesting activities, and before you know it, they won't even know you are gone. Contact a local day care center to learn more.
