How to Ease Transition for You and Your Child

Being exposed to new daycare environments can be particularly daunting for young children, especially coming directly from spending their days at home with a parent or guardian. Transitioning into daycare is also an exciting time, allowing parents to head back to work or have more free time while their children create new experiences. As a parent or guardian who is about to embark on the transition into daycare with your child, you may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about how the journey will go. While you can’t control how your child will adapt and react to their new environment, you can take advantage of certain practices to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. If your child is about to enroll in a daycare centre in Surrey, it may be worth your while to take a little time to get prepared so that when drop-off day comes you will know what to expect.

When it comes to preparing for the daycare transition, communication is key between you and your child. No matter their age or level of understanding, don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your child about what is to come. This allows parents the opportunity to prepare them for going to daycare and ease some nervousness about the unexpected. If your child is an expert on picking up on the tone or energy of a conversation, keep it upbeat (daycare does not have to be scary)! Many daycare centres in Surrey will have an outline of their daily routines for each age range posted on their website. Daily routines will inform you as a parent what your child will be up to at each hour of the day, and allows you the chance to share with your child some activities they have to look forward to.

Children often feel more comfortable when they have a routine they are used to, both in and out of the home. While your selected daycare center will cover the schedule while children are in their care, implementing a routine at home before and after daycare hours can also benefit the overall transition. Whether this means having breakfast together or heading to the park after pickup, set yourself up for success by creating new customs and adjusting this schedule ahead of time, making the part in between not seem so bad. Before enrollment, it may be beneficial for you and your child to visit the center for a quick tour so the new surroundings become familiar on their first day. If you are unsure of which daycare centre in Surrey is right for your child, contact us and we will be happy to assist you in the process.

Drop-off day is likely the most dreaded part of the entire daycare transition for most parents or guardians. Some children have no problem with separation, however, for many, it can be particularly challenging, especially in the beginning. Try to avoid sneaking out on your child, and don’t be alarmed if there are tears. Allowing your child to bring comfort from home, like a stuffed animal or blanket, is a great way to keep them feeling connected while they are in an unfamiliar place or uncomfortable situation.

Don’t forget about the daycare centre teachers and staff- they are now a big part of your child’s life! Get to know daycare faculty and introduce them to your children. Building that rapport and conducting regular check-ins may help ease your anxiety about having someone else care for your little ones and invite your children to feel safer and more comfortable.