How To Help Your Child Adjust To Day Care?
Many parents are concerned at the point when it is time to take their child to day care. Every parent wants to protect their child, and it’s understandable that they wonder how a child is doing in kindergarten or family daycare – whether he misses his parents, whether he finds friends, how he’s treated, whether he’s scared of him and so on.
Unfortunately, there is no magical way to get every child to immediately enjoy being in day care. It’s good to keep in mind that the child didn’t make the decision to go to day care themselves, and it can be difficult for him or her to get used to the new routine. However, parents can help the child to adapt to day care.
How to help your child adjust to day care?
Anticipate
When a child is explained what is going on, he or she begins to understand the process much earlier and better. You can explain to your child what is happening in day care, for example with his toys.
Give your child time
When it comes to a child’s adjustment to day care, two things can happen. First, caregivers may be too strict and do not give the child flexible adjustment time, or second, parents may not be able to provide that time due to their work schedules or other lack of time.
Usually, the child does not adapt properly to the new environment within a few hours or days. Because of this, she needs to be given the time she needs to get to know the environment, caregivers, and other children.
Always say goodbye
Many children feel abandoned when left to day care. This is perfectly understandable, especially if the parents just leave the child in care and disappear without saying anything. This is why it is important that you say goodbye to your child every morning and clearly tell him or her to pick him or her home later in the day. Your child will probably cry, especially in the first days of daycare, but the fact that he knows he will see you again soon will reassure him.
Be understanding
It is important for parents to be as understanding and empathetic as possible in this difficult situation for the child. Strive to put yourself in the position of a child and understand his or her feelings in the face of this radical change. If the child asks for more attention and affection than usual after returning home, give it to him. He will probably need to make sure he is still loved.
Build a confidential relationship with caregivers
Whether it’s family day care or attending daycare, it’s important for the child to see that the parents have a good and trusting relationship with the caregiver or caregivers. It is good for the child to see the parents talk kindly with the caregivers. This reassures him and helps him understand that he is not a stranger. It is also easier for parents to leave their child in the care of people they know, even at some level.
Stay positive and calm
While the process is difficult for you as well, stay positive and happy before taking your child to day care. If your child notices that you are more anxious or tense than usual, he or she will also start to feel uncomfortable or insecure.
Let the child take an important object with him
One good way to help your child adjust to day care is to let him or her take their favorite toy with them. In this way, the child is constantly close to something that connects him or her to the home. This type of object brings him security and confidence during a difficult process.
Signs that the child has not adapted well to day care
Sometimes children have problems adjusting to day care, and it is important for parents to monitor their child for various signs of malaise and to support them to the best of their ability.
For example, the following are signs that a child is having difficulty adjusting to day care:
- The child is too dependent on his parents. She may cling to her mother or father a considerable amount outside of day care. If such behavior persists for a long time, parents should try to correct the situation.
- The child is sad all day. The caregiver may tell the child to cry constantly and refuse to play and possibly eat. When a parent seeks care for a child, he or she just wants to be close to the parent.
- The child sleeps poorly during the first few weeks. This may mean that he has difficulty dealing with the events of the day.
- The child’s mood may vary. Parents may notice a child’s mood fluctuating rapidly from side to side, and the child may begin to behave in disobedience.
- A child’s development may be delayed or even slowed down. For example, he may start asking for a baby bottle even though he has been drinking from a beaker or glass for a long time.
The most important factor in a child’s adaptation to a new environment is that the parents understand, guide and support him or her throughout the process. The process can be difficult for both the child and the parents, but it is often forced to go through, for example, because of the work of the parents. It is also good to remember that a child learns important social skills in day care, for example, ie attending care benefits him or her over the long run.
