Does your child get anxious or upset about going to child daycare? Do they start to fuss when you pass the playground? This is actually a very normal reaction for a child, particularly at the beginning of their time in toddler nursery.
Most children have been with their parents or a single caregiver for their early years and it can be quite a change for them to attend daycare. Remember that your child is still developing their sense of the world and they don’t have much to compare their experiences with. This means that change can be frightening.
How can you help your child adjust? Here are a few tips.
Let Them Know What to Expect
Even fairly young children can understand what you tell them about toddler nursery. If you give them a clear idea of what should happen, they will feel more confident about attending.
It usually doesn’t take long for children to start enjoying themselves, but those first minutes after their parent leaves can be difficult. If you explain what will happen, and the sequence of events (drop off, playing on the playground, snack, lunch, pickup, etc.) this can help them remember that you’ll be back for them.
Give Them a Reminder
A wonderful book to read to your children is The Kissing Hand. It gives children a clear idea of how they can still feel your love while they’re doing other things. While some are just fine with a kiss on the hand, you may want to provide them with a little token of your love, such as a card with a heart on it, your photo, or something similar.
Introduce a Teacher
Toddler nursery is much more fun when you know someone there. Children will feel better if they have a chance to talk to the teacher or even a helper before their official starting date. You can then talk about how they’ll get to play with this person and it can help your child feel more comfortable.
Read About Toddler Nursery
You can read picture books to your child about school and day nursery. It introduces the concept and makes it more appealing since they already understand what is happening. Children need to hear the same thing over and over again before they fully process it, so start this process early. You can also watch videos and if the daycare has videos, share them with your little one.
Day nursery doesn’t need to be traumatising and you can easily help your child adjust by talking to them and explaining everything to them. Be sure to talk about their day and ask what they did. This will help build anticipation for their next visit.
If you’re looking for a good day nursery, Little Acorns is an excellent choice. Contact us to learn more.
