How to Leave Your Child at Daycare

Let her know that you are just a phone call away if she needs you.

Dropping a child off at a daycare can be stressful for both the parent and the child. You can ease your child's anxiety at drop off with little tips and tricks that will help her adjust to her new environment. Letting your child know that she is your number one priority, and that you will be back to get her, will give her comfort. If she is still having a problem at drop off, then try some mom-approved tricks to get her excited about daycare.

Instructions

1. Ease your child into the routine of daycare. If your child has been at home with you or another caregiver, going to another place is going to be an emotional transition. Children base their days on routines -- they know when they sleep, eat and play -- because it comforts them. Before you transition her to a daycare, allow her to go for an hour or two a day with you. Let her lead the way by just observing her and letting her explore her new environment. If you are present during those first few days, then she will know that it is okay to be there.

2. Give her a small picture of yourself to carry around during the day. A small wallet-size photo can bring comfort to a sad child. Let her know that when she is scared or sad, she can simply pull the picture out, and you will be with her.

3. Make a game of drop off by having your child "push" you out the door. Tell him how much fun it is going to be at daycare. If you know what the provider is doing for the day, get your child excited before he gets there so he'll want you to go. "Pushing" you out the door will make your child smile at the beginning of the day and will ease your mind.

4. Send a pocket full of kisses to daycare with your child each day. Children have an unbelievable imagination, so if you tell them that you are stuffing kisses into their pockets for use whenever they want throughout the day, they'll believe you. Make lots of kissing noises when you are "stuffing" the pocket so they'll know that the kisses will never run out.

5. If your child is older, consider getting him a digital watch and telling him what time you'll be back. Most daycare-age children aren't familiar with telling time, but the provider can help with this. Your child will know exactly what time to expect you.

6. Always tell your child goodbye. Many parents want to distract their children and retreat without letting them know they are actually leaving for the day. This will only cause anxiety for a child. Because of childrens' love for routine, it is imperative to let them know that you will be back to get them. Consider making a phone call to them during the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to leave your infant's blanket with her, so she has a familiar smell from home.

• Give your infant's schedule to your daycare so they can keep her in a familiar routine.

• Leave extra bottles and pacifiers that your infant likes at the daycare.

• If possible, find a daycare that some of her friends attend.

• She may cry when you walk out but will stop shortly after you leave.

• Call to check on her during the day and hear how her day is going.

• Wait outside the door or peek in the window to observe how she is doing after you leave.

• Be observant of your child's drop-off attitude. If he is crying because he is scared, find out why.

References

• She Knows: How to Make Drop Off Easier Without Seperation Anxiety
• Family Education: Helping Your Child Adjust to Childcare