The first day of childcare can be an exciting and emotional time for children and their parents. New environments, unfamiliar faces, different schedules and time away from home can be both exciting and a little worrying. Some children settle happily into childcare while others may take a little longer.
The good news is that parents can help their child settle into childcare by preparing their child, communicating with educators and having consistent routines at home.
Start Talking About Childcare Before the First Day
Children like to know what is going to happen in a situation that is new to them. In the weeks leading up to starting childcare, have positive conversations about going to a new childcare centre. You can talk and read about the environment, what your child may learn while they are there and when you will see them again.
Another way to prepare your child is to read books about starting at a new childcare centre, talk about making new friends or even practice simple routines such as packing a bag.
It is best to avoid making unrealistic promises such as, "You won't cry". Instead, reassure your child that it is okay to be sad and that you will see them again when your day is over.
Visit the Centre and Meet the Educators
A familiar environment can be very reassuring for a child who is new to an environment. Many child care centres offer pre-orientation visits to help your child become familiar with their new environment.
Let your child explore the centre, the outside space and the playrooms while you are there. This can be a great opportunity to meet your child's educators and start forming a supportive relationship.
It is just as important to communicate with the educators about your child. Let them know about your child's interests, comforters, routines, favourite activities and what may be upsetting to them. Keeping families and educators on the same page is key when it comes to supporting a settling child.
Create a Predictable Morning Routine
The morning of childcare can be an anxious time for children and their parents. Having a simple morning routine can help your child understand what will happen next.
Try preparing clothes, bags and lunches the night before and give your child small responsibilities, such as picking out an outfit or assisting with packing their bag.
Keeping mornings short and predictable can give your child more confidence and make settling easier.
Keep Goodbye Short, Calm and Positive
One of the saddest parts about starting childcare is saying goodbye to your child each morning.
It can be very tempting to linger if your child is upset, however, this can sometimes prolong a difficult goodbye. Instead, try establishing a special goodbye ritual that your child can come to rely on each morning.
You might give your child a hug, tell them when you will see them again and then confidently leave. Just because your child sheds a few tears at goodbye doesn't mean they are having a bad experience. Often children become upset when their parent leaves, but then feel better once they are gone. If you are concerned, speak to the educators and ask to hear an update after your child has settled.
Let Your Child Bring Something Familiar
A comforting item can be important during a transition for some children. In many centres, this can include a beloved stuffed animal, a family portrait or any other special item that can be brought along with them to childcare.
These comforting reminders of home can help them feel happier while they settle into their new environment.
Parents can also help their children during transitions by creating small rituals around childcare. Even something as simple as a special goodbye phrase or a wave from the same spot each morning can give your child something to look forward to as they settle.
Don't Expect Every Child to Settle at the Same Speed
One of the worst things parents can do is compare their child's settling process to another child.
Some children will happily move into their new environment after a few days while others may take a few weeks to establish bonds and relationships. Australian early childhood guidance recognises transition as a process and not just a day.
Your child's personality, history, age and temperament can all impact their settling process.
Your child may make small steps forward in their settling journey, such as entering the room without crying, playing with an educator, participating in an activity or even talking about a friend they have at home. All of these are signs that your child is starting to feel at home in their new environment.
Build a Strong Relationship With Educators
Another thing to keep in mind is to develop a good relationship with your child's educators. Ask them about your child's likes and dislikes, meal and rest time routines and when they may feel the most upset to help you understand their settling process. The more you can communicate with your educators about your child, the more help you can get during this time.
At an early learning centre, such as Smartland Boutique Early Learning, parents can also consider looking for an approach that values children's individual interests, relationships and sense of belonging when considering their childcare options.
What Parents Can Do After Childcare
Your child's settling process doesn't end when you pick them up. Give your child some time to settle back into seeing you as well. Instead of asking a vague question when you arrive home, try asking something :
- “What was your favourite game today?”
- “Who did you play with?”
“What did you enjoy doing outside?”
These questions can encourage children to talk about their experiences and help parents understand how they are adapting.
If your child is preparing for kindergarten, choosing a familiar and supportive environment can also help make the transition into the next stage of learning more comfortable. Families researching kindergarten North Boambee can consider factors such as educator relationships, daily routines, play-based learning, communication with families and the overall environment.
Give the Transition Time
The first day of childcare is not a race. Some days may go better than others with tears and clinginess. This doesn't necessarily mean your child is settling backwards. The most effective settling advice can vary on a case by case basis, however keeping consistent communication with educators is always key. With time, familiar routines and trusting relationships, many children can start building confidence and see childcare as a happy part of their week.
For parents, the goal isn't necessarily a happy tear-free first day. It is helping your child establish a sense of safety, connection and comfort in their new learning environment.
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