You've chosen the right childcare and the first day has arrived - how exciting!
Some households might have some children with the first day jitters while others might have kids bouncing off the walls, barely able to contain themselves!
If yours is more the former, some of these preparations should help make your first day and week a little easier to cope with. Consider a checklist for childcare to make things go a little easier. Below you will also find some tips to help your child prepare for their first few weeks at childcare.
Anxiety
Remember, most children experience separation anxiety when they first start in early childhood care and this is completely normal. Prepare your child by talking to them in the days beforehand about where they will be going and what they will be doing. Try and focus on the positive aspects such as the new toys, the new friends and all the fun activities they can participate in.
Take your child to visit the child care service on a few occasions before you leave them on their own. It may be helpful to start your child in care a few weeks before you need to start work so you can conduct these visits in a relaxed and leisurely fashion. Then, take your child on a 'tour' of all the new equipment and make sure you answer their questions as openly and honestly as you can. This can help ease separation anxiety and allow your child to adjust much better to the care setting and the new environment.
Also, make sure to let your childcare provider know of anything that could affect your child's activities in childcare, that way they can carefully observe your child if needed, and know the child development that best fits your child.
Make sure you reassure them that everything will be okay.
On your child's first day try and arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time so you can help your child settle into an activity before you leave for work. Your child will be less likely to protest your departure if they are having fun and involved in an activity and you're more likely to enjoy your day if you are not feeling guilty and concerned about leaving behind a distressed child.
In case your child feel upset, make sure you have a familiar object such as a favourite toy or security blanket on standby to give the carer. Your child may find it easier to feel secure and adjust to the new situation with an old friend in hand.
For the first few days when saying goodbye and leaving, pay attention to your body language. If you're feeling uncertain about the new arrangement you could convey some of your anxiety to your child. Make sure you are as relaxed and reassuring as possible, even if it is forced!
Resist the temptation to sneak out the door when your child isn't looking. Fearing that you're going to disappear again, this can affect a child's behaviour and your child may become unwilling to let you out of sight for a minute even when you are at home.
