How to Leave Your Child at Day Care
If you need or want to work, leaving your child in someone else's care will be necessary, even though it may not be easy for you or your child. Taking the time to prepare yourselves and deciding on strategies ahead of time will make the transition from parent to day care faster and smoother. Techniques for dropping your child off at day care vary depending on your child's age and temperament, as well as day care rules, but choosing a day care provider whom you trust will make the separation easier on everyone.
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Instructions
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Discuss the day's plans with your child on the drive or walk to day care to help him prepare for the transition. Remind him of the first activity he will be doing at day care, such as hanging up his coat and then playing until circle time.
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Walk your child into her day care room, if possible. Hold your child's hand if she desires, and continue talking calmly and reassuringly if she is nervous about the upcoming separation.
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Give your child a small photo of you or another special item from home, if day care rules permit such items. Store it in a special place at day care where your child can periodically see or cuddle it. Your child might like the idea that he can magically send you kisses and hugs through the photo during the day.
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Help your child hang up her coat and get settled into the first activity of the morning. Tell your child you will have to leave in five minutes, but give her your full attention for that time. Do not stay for more than approximately five minutes to avoid dragging out the good-byes.
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Remind your child when you will be returning in relation to his day, such as after art time or snack time.
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Inform your child of your plans for the day. Try to make sure your plans do not sound too exciting, although it is beneficial to your child to hear that you enjoy your work.
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Create a good-bye ritual to perform every day right before you leave. This could include a special hug or kiss or even a secret handshake.
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Smile at your child, and do not show that you are upset about leaving her, as she will pick up on your distress. Tell her you will miss her, but also point out that the day will go quickly for both of you with all the activities that are planned.
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Involve your child in another project or activity, such as building blocks or dress up, and leave quietly after your good-bye ritual is complete. Most children stop crying after five minutes. You can also physically pass off your child to his caregiver by having the caregiver take his hand and move him into another activity to definitely show your child that he can now rely on the caregiver.
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Tips & Warnings
If your child still gets upset with your leaving, try having your partner or another close family member drop him off.
If your child is still crying for more than 15 minutes throughout the day after 30 days, consider changing the amount of time your child is in day care or switching to a different kind of care.
References
- Photo Credit holding hands image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
