Four Tips For Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety On Their First Day Of Daycare

In many families, both parents are required to work in order to bring enough income in to pay the bills. This means that many kids are placed in a child care facility. In fact, about a quarter of kids under the age of 5 receive child care from someone other than a parent. Fortunately, the longer your child attends a daycare, the more routine and easier on everyone the process becomes. The first day of child care can be a major transition on the family. In some cases, this can mean anxiety for both the child and the parent. In order to cope with the new adjustment, here are some tips for getting through the first day of child care. 

Prepare Ahead of Time

One thing that can help make the first day of child care and even the first week easier is to prepare ahead of time. This often involves going to bed earlier so the child gets plenty of rest if they are not used to waking up as early. If your child is old enough to understand, you want to explain to them what their day will entail when they go off to child care. If they know what to expect, this will help relieve some of the anxiety they may have. It is always a good idea to talk to the child care providers to see what their routine is so you can keep the same routine even when the child is at home for the day. 

Talk to Your Boss

Sending your child to a new place everyday can bring on a lot of emotions. Experiencing a change in your schedule can definitely affect your work. It is a good idea to share with your boss this transition you are going through. This will help them understand the struggles you face that week as you start a new schedule at home. It will help your boss to understand what adjustments need to be made that week. 

Arrive to the Daycare on Time

Even if your child does not know how to tell time, they know when you should be there based on their schedule. It is important that you arrive at the same time every day so that your child can expect you at a certain point in their routine. Whether it is after snack or after a particular activity, you want to make sure you are there consistently on time. 

Get There a Little Early

In order to help your child adjust to a new place, you want to make sure you allow plenty of time to say goodbye. Arriving early can help give you time to check out the new place with your child so they can overcome any anxiety they may be experiencing. This helps your child settle in until they become more comfortable with their surroundings. 

To learn more, contact a business like Cottonwood Montessori.

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