Epic melt down. Screaming. Crying. Throwing herself onto the floor. You wipe your own tears as you try and scoop your flailing child off of the daycare floor. First days are the worst! But they don’t have to be! Before the first day of class jitters, try these five steps to make walking into your new daycare center a less traumatic experience for everyone!
Bring your child to visit the daycare. Meet the future caregivers and teachers. Take a tour. If the daycare allows it, try and visit more than once before their first day.
Drive by the daycare often. Talk to them about the adventures and activities they will get to participate in. If you are on social media, show them photos from the daycare itself. Ask them 'Doesn’t that look like so much fun?' The more you expose them to the idea of going to daycare - the quicker they will get used to the idea.
Bedtime stories are a great time to review daycare. Read books about going to daycare or to school. We highly recommend The Kissing Hand.
When you go to buy supplies for your child, if the child is old enough, let them pick out their own supplies. Use this as an opportunity to discuss what they will be doing with each supply. Allow them freedom to express themselves in what they choose.
Send in a picture of the family. Sometimes our little ones just need to see Mommy or Daddy’s face throughout the day.
Remember, be patient with yourself and your little one. This is an emotional experience for both of you. Be confident and reassuring when your child shows their fears. Take it step-by-step, day-by-day. Keep a positive tone and comments when discussing daycare, in order to instill a happy and positive reaction from your child. Do not be surprised if at first, you’re the more emotional of the two. The child often goes through a “honeymoon” phase - where everything is bright and new and exciting while you quietly wipe your tears away. However, it is very likely after a few days they will regress, because no matter how fun and exciting the program is, their preference will always be mom and dad. This is a transition. Make it easier by having a “goodbye routine” and stick to it - this way your child knows what is coming next and can settle down into that routine.
I can’t emphasize enough - be patient with you and your child. Guaranteed after a week (or two!) daycare drop off will be a breeze!
Until next time
-Miss Katia
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