About this topic
Taking your child to daycare or preschool can be a big step for both you and your child. The changes for you and your child are often very emotional. You may find this change results in both of you crying. There are things you can do to make this time a little easier. ‚
General
- Choose a good daycare. There are many choices, such as a daycare center, home daycare, or leaving your child with friends or family members. Choose a place that you trust and that best fits your needs.
- Getting ready for daycare or preschool:
- Visit the daycare or preschool with your child. This visit will show your child that you like and trust the people who will take care of him. It also helps your child get used to the place and to meet and play with other kids who are there.
- Read books and tell stories about daycare and preschool.
- Use pretend play about daycare or preschool. You and your child can take turns being the teacher, child, and parent. To help your child see what happens at daycare or preschool, do some of the activities. Having story time, play time, drawing, rest time, and outdoor play will help your child get used to the routine.
- Talk with your child about when you will leave and come back. Have a special ritual or habit that happens when you leave and return that is a secret between both of you. This can be a special wave, or something like a kiss that they hold in their hand.
- Going to daycare or preschool:
- When you get ready to leave your child at daycare or preschool, be firm, but loving. Give a kiss and hug, and promise to come back.
- Bring something special from home. Your child may like to hold your glove. A special scarf or tie from mommy or daddy may give your child comfort until you return. A special teddy bear, blanket, or small toy can also be helpful.
- Know that your child may start to cry when you get ready to leave. Your child may be sad and hang on to you, so say a quick goodbye with love and leave promptly. You may want to check in with the caregiver in a little while to see how quickly your child has calmed down. This can be reassuring for you.
- At the end of the day, your child may not want to leave daycare or preschool because he may be having fun. If your child starts to cry about leaving, talk about the fun you both will have at home. Sometimes a snack in the car or when you get home can help.
What will the results be?
Both you and your child will get used to a new routine and the changes will become easier. ‚
Helpful tips
- Talk with the caregiver or teacher about ways you can work together to make drop offs easier.
- Give your child crayons or markers to draw pictures at home. This will be a familiar activity for your child at daycare or preschool.
- Help your child choose a special backpack or bag for daycare or preschool. Some children are very excited to have their own special bag. Ask your child to help pack the bag so it becomes part of the routine.
- Build time away from your child slowly if your child is having a very hard time adjusting.
- Start by sitting in some other part of the room.
- The next step is to step out of the room for a short time.
- Once your child is used to you being gone for a short time, move to a place out of sight of your child.
- Finally, your child will become more comfortable with you being gone for longer times.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Pages/Preparing-Your-Child-for-Child-Care.aspx ‚
National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families ‚
http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/child-care/preschool-prep-how-to.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚