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Spending time away from the family can be difficult for many young children. When a parent or both parents go to work and children must go to a daycare or to preschool, there are many methods that can help them adjust to the new routine. The adjustment process can take some time, but handling it well can set a positive tone for years to come.
Always be Positive
Never let the child see you sad about leaving them at daycare. Even if it is the hardest thing in the world, the best thing you can do is to smile and be excited about the experience and all of the things they will get to do during the day. Children pick up on emotions very easily and parents should keep a positive attitude about their routine. If your child likes to hear stories about your own childhood, talk to them about fun things you did in daycare or preschool.
Ask Questions
Parents can stay involved by asking about things that your child is learning at preschool or games that they play at daycare. Let them talk to you about their routine, their teachers, and the other children in class. No question or story is too small! When you tell them how much you enjoy seeing their pictures or hearing about their games, children will be more inclined to want to continue going to daycare and coming home with things to share.
Let Them in on Your Routine
For many small children, there is a tendency to think that their parents are at home during the day when they are at daycare. Let them become familiar with your schedule by showing them your office and telling them about your job. Children enjoy order and like knowing that each member of the family has a place to be during the day and a time to be at home in the evenings and on weekends.
