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Strategies for helping your child adjust to daycare
Transitioning your child from home to daycare is a significant milestone for both children and parents. Whilst it’s natural for children to experience some separation anxiety at the beginning, there are a number of different strategies you can implement to help your child adjust and thrive during day care.
Here are some of our top tips on how you can support your child through this major life change.
Gradual introductions
Before your child officially starts you may want to do some short visits to the daycare with your child to get them used to it. Spend time together in the facility and allow your child to see the environment and interact with educators in a more relaxed environment.
These visits help to familiarise your child with their new surroundings and the new centre.
Establish positive communication
Talk to your child about daycare in a positive and upbeat manner and highlight the fun things they will be doing on their day to day.
Talk about the friends they will make and the teachers they will meet and reassure your child that daycare is a safe and fun place for them to learn and play.
Establish a routine
Consistency is key with children and it provides them with a sense of security and safety. Establish a predictable drop off routine and stick to it everyday.
Consistency helps your child to know what to expect which makes them less anxious about daycare drop off. Say goodbye with confidence and remind your child you will return to pick them up.
Validate their feelings
It’s completely normal for your child to feel anxious when they go to daycareday care for the very first time. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay for them to feel that way.
Try to offer words of comfort and empathy while remaining positive about the day care experience.
Be patient
Every child has a different adjustment period when it comes to daycare so be patient with your child’s emotions and offer ongoing support as they navigate the transition. Celebrate their achievements and provide encouragement along the way.
Seek support
If your child’s separation anxiety isn’t getting better with time or if you have concerns about their adjustment to daycare. Don’t hesitate to seek support from daycare staff or doctors as they can generally offer more personalised guidance and strategies to help your child feel more comfortable and confident in their routine.
Chat to our Young Academics team
Transitioning to day care is a huge adjustment for children and families but with patience, understanding and help from our Young Academics team you can help your child overcome their separation anxiety
Embrace this new change in your child’s life and ensure to always remain calm and positive when dealing with your child’s separation anxiety.
