Surviving the Start of Daycare

Sending your child to daycare is a major transition for both you and your child. For many families, this is the first time you have been separated from your child for an extended period. Whatever your family’s situation, this can be a significant change in routine and warrants some advance and thoughtful preparation.

You are not alone in feeling anxious or experiencing some sleepless nights leading up to the first day of daycare. Some common worries that you may have are if your child will feel that they are not loved, that they will feel abandoned by you, that their schedule will be disrupted, that they will be ignored when they cry, that they won’t nap, won’t eat and won’t have friends. Ugh.

Change is hard and, the other truth is, as many parents have learned, your child and you will both survive and, most probably, will thrive.

To help ease the transition, we have compiled 6 tips to help you survive this transition.

1.     Ease In

Spend some time with your child on the first day helping your child explore the new environment and getting to know the staff. Another strategy is to have your child go to daycare in the beginning for a few hours instead of the entire day.

2.     Prepare yourself and your child

If your child is old enough to understand, talk to them about the plan, and read books about change. For the parents, label (you can purchase these or use a permanent marker) everything, pack up extra clothes, sheets, and shoes. Pack a lovey, favorite book, or toy. Try to send sheets that smell like your home. Take out the first day outfit the night before.

3.     Be prepared for a difficult 1st and 2nd day

Be ready that the 2nd day could be harder than the first. Leaving your child in tears is always going to be hard. Remember that they will probably calm down after you are gone and know that the teachers are professionals and are experienced in distraction and comforting. It is important not to sneak out when it is time to leave but to give an appropriate good-bye, giving a hug and a kiss, smile, and walk out. No drama, no tears while in their sight.

4.     Try not to linger

After you have left your child and said an appropriate good-bye, leave. Don’t go back in. Don’t hide outside the door where you try to catch a glimpse each time the door opens.

5.     Be prepared for your child getting sick

If this is your child’s first daycare experience, be prepared for some illness. Their immune system is probably weakened so they will be susceptible to getting sick. It would be no surprise if your child spent very few full weeks attending daycare in the first six months. 

6.     Be patient

There will be ups and downs, good days, and more challenging days. You should get frequent updates from your child’s teachers and not all of these will be positive. Your children are young, and they are learning how to behave, share toys and follow directions. Be patient but know that your child is doing some of the most important things which are- establishing independence, socializing and learning!