How to Successfully Transition into Childcare

Is there a tougher job when it comes to parenting than leaving your child in a new place, with new faces and having to walk away while they cry for you to come back and rescue them? It's tough, and unfortunately it is a matter in which many parents do not have a choice. Here is a few tips that I have gathered over the years that will hopefully help some families make this process a bit easier.

Take It Slow
The best thing you can do for your child is to familiarize them with their new environment before the big day. As early as you can (not implying you need to be visiting after birth, but try and fit in some visits the month before) arrange with the staff to have short visits to the center. These visits will be short and sweet, a chance for both you and your wee one to get to know the teachers and support staff which will help to make you both more comfortable when it comes to finally leaving them for a full day.

Role Model
Your little one will be looking to you during these visits and will watch for your reactions.  How you interact with the staff and other children will let him know they are people to be trusted.  Make sure your interactions are positive and you appear to be having fun!  Hopefully this will rub off on your biggest admirer!

Work Your Way Up
Closer to your child's starting day see if you can leave your child at the center for short periods of time without you.  By this time your child will be more comfortable with the staff and the environment and will hopefully join in some activities and not miss you too much ;). Start with an hour during the morning play time.  After a few (hopefully) successful visits try the morning play time and lunch. After that try leaving them there for a nap time as well.  This gradual transition allows them to get there bearings without being too overwhelmed all at once.

Be Honest
Don't sneak away when your child isn't looking, without saying goodbye and explaining what will happen. Let her know that you will be back very soon after she has played with her new friends.  This will not guarantee no tears but it will keep the trust your child has for you, which in my eyes is most important.  As well don't bribe! Your baby would trade any toy or candy to have your company and telling them you will "buy them a treat" just won't work! By the time you pick them up they will not remember this promise. Much more importantly, when you do pick him up, talk about his time at childcare. Ask what he did, what and who he played with.  Use his teacher's name and discuss what activities they had planned. This positive conversation will be much more valuable than a pack of jelly beans! Even if your child is young, they love conversation with you, and although it may sound like gibberish to you, all of those sounds and your responses to them will enhance their vocabulary skills.

I hope these tips can help to make your child's transition into childcare a positive one, good luck!