Preparing your kids for childcare is an important step to ensure they transition smoothly into their new environment.
Whether you opt for home-based childcare or a daycare, preparation for this huge step in their life begins at home. In this blog we look at some tips to help you prepare them.
- Talk about childcare: Start discussing childcare with your child in a positive light. Explain what childcare is, why they will be going there and all the fun activities they will get to do. For home-based childcare, it being literally a home away from home, it is easier to draw comparatives with their home.
- Visit the in-home childcare or daycare: Visit the childcare with your little one before their first day. This allows them to familiarise themselves with the environment, meet their teacher and see where they will be spending their time.
- Establish a routine: Start establishing a routine at home that is similar to what they will experience at their childcare. This includes meal times, nap times and play times. Consistency will help them feel more comfortable with the structure of childcare. While home based childcare is a lot more flexible and routines here are aligned to your child’s needs, some differences may come into existence and it is important to prepare your child for these.
- Practice independence: Encourage your child to do things on their own, such as putting on their shoes, using the toilet and washing their hands. This will help them feel more confident and independent at their childcare.
- Socialise: Arrange playdates with other children or visit parks and playgrounds to help your child become more comfortable around other kids. This will make the transition to childcare easier, as they will already be used to being around other children.
- Read books about childcare: There are many children’s books available that talk about starting childcare. Reading these books with your child can help them understand what to expect and alleviate any anxiety they may have.
- Stay positive: It’s normal for both you and your child to feel some apprehension about starting daycare. Stay positive and reassure your child that childcare is a fun and safe place where they will make new friends and learn new things.
- Practice separation: If your child has never been away from you for an extended period, practice short separations to help them get used to being away from you. Start with leaving them with a trusted caregiver for short periods and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.
- Pack comfort items: Allow your child to bring a comfort item from home, such as a favourite stuffed animal or blanket, to help them feel more secure during the transition.
- Be patient: Every child is different, and it may take some time for your child to adjust to daycare. Be patient and supportive during this transition period and remember that it is normal for them to have some ups and downs as they get used to their new routine.
