Starting childcare with your child is a significant change in you and your family’s lives. Because it’s such a big change, it’s natural to feel some worry and anxiety, and your child may take some time to adjust as they get used to a new routine. But there’s no need to worry. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that both you and your child undergo this change in the most straightforward and smooth way possible.
If you would like to know more about our childcare centre or if you would like to arrange a visit to meet our carers and childcare workers, then please call us to arrange a time to stop in. Contact us in Brassall on (07) 3813 0976 or in Blacksoil on (07) 3201 4231.
How to help ease the transition into childcare?
When starting childcare, it’s important to help your child get comfortable with the idea of going somewhere new. They may well experience separation anxiety – something that’s perfectly natural – and when you manage this anxiety well, it can be a positive learning experience for your child. We have some simple steps you can follow to ease the transition into care, whether your child attends five days a week or half a day a week.
- Make sure you pay a visit to the childcare centre together
This is one of the most critical things you can do as a parent or caregiver because it gives you and your child an opportunity to visit the space they’ll be spending their time in and it lets them get comfortable with their new surroundings.
At Bush Kidz, we offer parent/child visits where you can bring your child along and be there as they explore the centre. We find that this type of experience is deeply helpful for parent and child because when children come along for their first care session, they already know where things are and are excited to play.
- Don’t rush things
Try and go for gradual exposure with your child’s visits. If possible, try and have your child visit for a shorter period of time and work up to a longer visit. You don’t need to go straight into your child being in care for a whole day immediately. Try starting with an hour and work up from there. Some children adjust to being in care quickly, while others take a little more time. If you’re worried about your child crying or being upset after you leave, you can always ask staff to call you after a certain period of time, and you can come back to get them or work out a plan for next time you come.
- Talk about what is going to happen
A key part of ensuring that your child is prepared for childcare is to talk to them about what they are going to experience. But be honest as well; children are very perceptive and will see through any kind of falsehood. Instead of telling your child that they’re going to have the best time and that they’re going to love childcare, be honest. Just talk to your child about what is going to happen at childcare. You might say something like “when you get to childcare you’ll see your teacher, you’re going to play inside, then you’ll put on your togs to do water play outside. Then you’ll have lunch, and after that I’ll be there to get you.” When your child understands what’s going to happen in their day, they’ll see it happen just as you said, which allows them to feel safe.
- Say a good goodbye
This one is key – it’s so important; knowing how to say goodbye to your child is vital when it comes to ensuring a positive experience for your child in care. If your child is screaming and crying and is finding it hard to settle, it’s often best to just say goodbye and leave. Most children do calm down very quickly after their parents go, but if you stay to try and comfort your child, they will find it harder to settle because you’re still there providing comfort.
When you can say goodbye with confidence, it shows your child that they are safe as well. If you’re anxious or appear upset, it signals to your child that this is a situation where they should feel anxious too. Instead just give your child a quick hug and a kiss, say goodbye and when you’ll be back, and leave them with the carers at your childcare centre.
At Bush Kidz, we have a range of strategies in place to help you and your child feel comfortable with their surroundings. Bush Kidz is a friendly and welcoming environment where we welcome children from Blacksoil, Brassall and surrounding areas to come and enjoy care away from home.
We care for your children as if they were our own and are committed to the wellbeing and happiness of every child. Contact us today to come down and visit in Brassall on (07) 3813 0976 or in Blacksoil on (07) 3201 4231.