Beginning childcare can be one of the biggest moments in the life of not only a child, but also parents. For their entire life so far, your child has stayed at home with you or with trusted family members, and so the idea of moving into childcare is a big transition for both parties. It is normal for you and your child to feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster during this time. There may be feelings of excitement, worry, uncertainty, etc. These are all normal. Read below to discover our tips to introduce your child into a childcare setting.
Why a Smooth Transition Matters
It is important to do some prep work with your child before they enter a new, unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming environment such as childcare! A smooth transition into childcare with positive early experiences will help to support emotional security in the long term. Preparation with the below 8 tips helps children learn what to expect and helps them to adjust and build trust in a new environment.
1) Short Gradual Visits
Short gradual visits: It may be beneficial to begin with short gradual visits so your child becomes used to the environment and people around them.” We offer the opportunity for a couple of supervised visits to ensure your child transitions effectively. We will work with you and your child to ensure they have sufficient opportunity to build their confidence for staying in long day care.
2) Talk With Your Child
Talk about childcare in a positive manner in front of your child. This will result in your child picking up on this and learning that childcare is safe and fun. Talk about the activities and friends from childcare in front of your child to your friends and family to strengthen the idea within your child that childcare is a good thing. Use language appropriate to your child’s age and understanding and avoid speaking negatively about childcare in front of them.
3) Consistent Routines
Creating a consistent goodbye routine forms a sense of security within your child. It helps them to understand what is about to happen and allows them to mentally prepare themselves. Routines help children feel safe and secure. This goodbye routine may include a huge or even a chosen phrase.
4) Comfort Item
Sometimes, bringing a comfort item from home can help your child to feel comfortable during their transition period. Perhaps there is a stuffed animal or a blanket that they associate with comfort.
5) Model Confidence
Ensure to display signs of feeling calm and confidence when taking your child to childcare. Children read their parent’s emotions and if you yourself are not displaying how you want your child to feel regarding childcare, they will not feel positively towards it. Model the mindset you want your child to have towards childcare, if you want them to be confident and excited, then you should act that way in order for them to pick up and follow it.
6) Practice Short Separations
Before the transition period, it is a good idea to practice short separations at home from your child. Having a trusted adult look after your child while you briefly leave the house for up to a few hours helps them to be comfortable with the idea of not being with you at all times. This can build independence and also reinforces the idea that you will return, reducing separation anxiety.
7) Positive Relationships
Display to your child that the educators at childcare are friendly and can be trusted. Greet the educators warmly upon arrival, to signal to your child that they are not a threat and there is no reason to feel afraid of them. It is important to remain having open communication between yourself and the educators, to ensure you can track your child’s growth during this transition.
8) Celebrate Small Wins
Always celebrate the small wins. Be patient with your child and keep in mind that this transition can take time to adjust. Remember each child adjusts differently, so use positive reinforcement to help your child feel confident and happy. Remain supportive and always acknowledge progress. Your child played a game with a friend today? Awesome, celebrate it!
For trusted and practical guidance for supporting your child to adjust during their transition, visit startingblocks.gov.au/ for government backed resources and tips to introduce your child into a childcare setting.
Remember, this is a big transition not only for your child but also for you. It is normal to experience lots of different emotions. If you wish to discuss how we can further help you and your child, please contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take for a child to adjust to childcare?
A: Each child is different, for some children, they may adjust in only a few days. For other children, it may take up to a few weeks before they start feeling confident in childcare. Provide reassurance and continue to support your child throughout their transition period.
Q: How do I handle my own tears at drop off?
A: Try to keep drop offs brief and reassuring for your child. Lingering may make it harder for both of you and may result in your child being set off for the day, experiencing separation anxiety which may lead to undesirable behaviour. Your child will pick up on your emotions, so it is important to remain calm and confident, and remember the strategies and tips to introduce your child into a childcare setting.