Transitioning From Home to Day Care Help & Tips

Most toddlers are fine within a few minutes of their parents leaving them at day care.

Transitioning your toddler to day care after staying home with him is a major adjustment for both of you. You may be anxious about leaving your little one in someone else's care, and he's going to be anxious about leaving you. However, with some advance preparation and a willingness to help your toddler adjust to this big change, going from home to day care can go smoothly.

Choose the Right Provider

One of the most important aspects of transitioning your child to day care is to choose the right day care provider. Choose a provider based on your child's personality and needs; a shy, cautious child may feel more secure in a small, home-based day care with only a few other children, while more active and outgoing toddlers will thrive in a large day care center. No matter what type of center you choose, though, introduce your toddler to the provider before you bring her for the first time. Let her explore the surroundings and get to know the caregivers while you are present.

Model Positive Behavior

Before bringing your older toddler to day care, tell him about it, explaining what will happen during the day. Be careful not to show too much enthusiasm or talk it up too much, as getting too excited about it can overwhelm your little one. And when the first day arrives, be prepared to spend an hour or two there with him. How you interact with the staff and the other children will give him cues on how he should behave; if you have positive and warm interactions, he'll understand that the day care center is a good place and that it's okay to stay there.

Ask for Help

Separation anxiety peaks when your child is between 12 and 24 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and during this stage, your child will have the most trouble with you leaving her at day care. Expect clinging, tears and pleas for you to stay, but gently and firmly explain that you will return. Most providers will help by either picking up and holding your child as you leave, or redirecting her to another activity. Do not get upset yourself -- at least where your toddler can see you -- because that will only upset her more.

Leave Promptly

While it's difficult to leave your toddler when he is upset, it's important to know that he will be okay once you leave. Chances are he will be so engrossed in other activities that he won't even know that you've left. Even if your child is upset, say good-bye, give kisses and hugs, and then leave. Don't return a few minutes later to check on him, unless you're prepared to stay. If you are especially concerned, call the day care provider when you get to work to make sure he's not still upset.

References

• Healthy Children: Making Drop Off at Child Care Easier; Dec. 2010
• "Healthy Children" magazine; Making Child Care Choices Count for Your Family; Sam Gaines; 2007
• "American Baby" magazine; 7 Hints for Easing Kids Through Childcare Changes; Claire Lerner; July 2005
• "Parenting"; No More Long Goodbyes; Patricia Henderson Shimm and Kate Ballen