You’ve done your homework, and you’ve already chosen Clovel Childcare in Ryde. The important question to consider now, “Is your child prepared to start daycare?” Your child might not be quite prepared for childcare just yet—emotionally, mentally, or physically—even though you think your answer is YES, but there’s a good chance your child might not yet be emotionally, mentally, and physically ready to enter into childcare. While it can be hard to really pinpoint if your child is ready or not, here are some surefire ways to make sure they have all the tools to help them transition from home to daycare that much easier:
- Visit Clovel with your child. Let him or her be familiar with the new surroundings and even do a trial run before the actual daycare starts. Talk to your childcare provider weeks ahead so you and your kid can visit the centre weeks or even months before. You should even do a morning routine of dropping by the centre so that they’ll be familiar with the route and routine and they won’t scream their lungs out when you make a stopover.
- Talk about childcare. Even if your child is a young toddler, you can still talk to them about daycare or show them how it works. Find books or TV shows that illustrate how fun a daycare experience can be. Show your child that it is a place where they will learn, play, and make friends with other kids.
- Slowly ease your kid into daycare. Instead of the full week, start your child with a few days a week to help them acclimate to a new routine and a new environment. It can be a bit overwhelming, especially for kids as young as two years old to be in a new place such as a daycare. It’s okay to gradually start then move on to five or six days a week as your child grows accustomed to the thought of going to preschool or early childcare.
- Continue to spend quality time with your kids outside of the daycare. The primary thought that goes through your child when they go into daycare is, “When will I see my mummy or daddy again?” Yes, they’re still at that stage where you are at the most important part of their world, and you should definitely anticipate them being more clingy or attention-seeking. This is normal, and our suggestion is to let this ride out. Go ahead and let them be more clingy with you. Spend time with them after daycare, even if it’s as simple as preparing their favourite afternoon snack with their help, play-pretend having tea and cakes, doing arts and crafts with your child, or reading their favourite book with them. The point is to never neglect celebrating time with your child outside of daycare so that they won’t feel like anything has changed.
- Let them bring a “comfort” item. While your childcare centre already has the tools and supplies that your kid will need at daycare, it’s still important for parents to allow their child to bring a comfort toy or two. It could be a favourite blankie, a stuffy, or a cherished toy. This item may help them feel better and more at home in the daycare. You should also consult with our childcare providers about bringing a favourite snack or meal.
- Allow a lot of time before dropping off your child at daycare. The first few times may be a struggle, especially if you’re a first-time parent dropping off her kid at daycare. But also remember that while it may be difficult for you, it is an even more challenging and daunting time for your kid to transition into daycare. So our best advice is to let your child ease into it. This is ultimately in their best interest and will eventually help them cope better mentally, emotionally, and socially.
It is certainly the role of our childcare centre to help ease both parents and children into the world of daycare. We’re with you every step of the way to make sure everything goes well.
