17th December, 2023
Top tips to help your child make the transition to childcare
17th December, 2023
When your child starts at an early childhood education centre it can be tough – for both the child and the parent. Wobbling lower lip. Big puppy dog eyes. Arms out wide. And that’s just the parents! And although more often than not, when those doors close and the child is introduced to new activities, games, friends and experiences – that separation anxiety quickly vanishes. It can be tough to see your child go through that pain.
So preparing yourself and your child socially, physically and emotionally can make a world of difference when it comes to them starting their educational journey. These are a few tips that can help make the transition easier.
Preparing The Way:
Your child is about to take that first dreaded step into early childhood education… Here are a few things you can do as a parent before they do to help them make the adjustment.
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Practice With A Dry Run
Immersing your child and yourself in the whole process of going to the childcare centre can be very helpful to do before their first big day. Changes are difficult in these early years and easing your child into some new routines can be helpful. Walk them through the experience of getting dressed with a special hat specifically for going to childcare (for instance) or perhaps a water bottle they’ll bring to “school”. A practice drive or commute to the centre cis a simple thing you can do to help ease your child’s apprehension about change.
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Visit Your Centre With Your Child
Choose a day when you and your child can visit your early childhood education centre together. At Trails, we welcome families to book a visit with their child who’ll be starting with us. This can be a great time for them to familiarise themselves with the caregivers they will interact with on a daily basis, take time to play with the toys and get used to the overall atmosphere of our site.
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Talk About Childcare With Your Child
Begin talking about the idea of childcare with your infant, child or toddler. Find books and episodes of children’s TV shows that involve children attending childcare centres. Have a discussion after you’ve watched it together and ask them questions like: how do you think it felt for [character’s name] to go by themselves to school? How was it in the end for them? Emphasise that childcare is a fun place for learning, and practice playing school together at home to get them familiar with the concept.
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Practice Experiences Outside the House
Starting at childcare can sometimes be a double whammy for children. Not only is it a new environment, it’s also not with their regular carers from home. You can help ease their transition to childcare by asking any semi-regular babysitters (like grandparents, family friends and other family members) who are known to your child but not everyday carers and ask them to look after your child in a place outside of the home. This helps your child start to become familiar with the one-two combo of a new environment and new people.
The Day The Journey Begins:
It’s the big day! You’re not sure who’s more anxious – you, or your child! Here’s a few things you can do on the first day of childcare to help both of you make the transition.
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Bring A Buddy
And by “buddy” we mean some sort of familiar soft toy like a teddy bear or blanket. This is a very simple thing but by bringing a comforting toy you can help ease some children into starting at childcare. The soft toy, through extensive handling by you and them will smell like home and can be a great comfort for nervous children when they first start out.
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Allow Lots Of Time For Drop Off
The first few times you drop off your child at the centre give yourself a lot more time than you think you need – at least 20-30 minutes. It can be difficult for both you and your child to separate in this transition process until both of you get used to your new routine. So give yourself time. Don’t schedule too many things straight after drop-off, at least in the first week. Studies show that children will internalise the emotions of their caregiver so try to practice a bit of self-love and relaxation to help your child feel calm and unstressed.
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Remember That All Children Are Different
Don’t be disheartened if your child doesn’t settle into childcare as easily as your friend’s child did. Every child is different, some settle into their new routine easily while others need a little time. And while it’s always possible to experiment with new approaches to find something that works for you, remember there’s no silver bullet.
Home Time:
Phew! Ok, so your child has just finished their first day at childcare. Maybe it was a roaring success, maybe there’s some things still left to figure out. Here’s some tips for when they’ve finished their first big day.
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Reconnect At Pickup
Being fully present with your child at pickup on the journey home and during the evening routine is a great chance to remind them that their time away is only temporary and that they are still your priority. Words of comfort are great, as are thoughtful actions like preparing them their favourite meal for dinner that night. You might find that your child needs some reassuring physical touch from you.
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Celebrate The Time Together Outside Of Childcare
When you have more time together outside of childcare hours, think of some fun activities you can do as a family that your child can bring to their childcare centre as a story for monday. Maybe you could take a trip to the beach, visit an indoor playcentre, or even go on a short bushwalk? These memories will give your toddler something to look forward to telling to their caregivers and new friends at childcare.
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Go Easy On Yourself
You might be worried or guilty about going back to work when you see them again. This is totally normal. You’re not a monster. This is just a hard transition for both of you. So be kind to yourself and try and remember how much your child will learn and grow by embarking on their educational journey.