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Starting a new daycare can be an overwhelming experience for young children, as well as their parents. To help ease your child into their new routine at daycare, here are 10 practical home organization tips to make them feel welcome:
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1. Set Up Designated Newbie Play Areas
Before you drop off your kid(s) at daycare on their first day, set up designated spots in one or two rooms (the living room or kitchen work well) for them to play with a few of their favorite toys on Day 1—that way, they’ll have something familiar to do when they walk through those doors! This will reduce any initial stress
2. Be Sure That Your Kids Know How Long You’ll Be Gone Before You Leave
If possible, try to let each of your kids know what time they need to get ready so that they aren’t waiting by themselves until it gets close to the time for someone else to pick them up—this helps avoid any last-minute panic.
3. Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing It
Have a hard time letting go? It can be hard for parents to accept that putting their kids in daycare is often a better option than staying home with them full-time; if you find yourself stressed out about missing your kids, keep reminding yourself why you made the decision.
4. Talk About Going to Daycare Ahead of Time
Your kiddo doesn’t understand words like going to school just yet, but giving him some perspective on his daily routine can help remove some anxiety he might have about going somewhere unfamiliar.
5. Pack Your Child’s Lunch Bags or Food Containers Early
You won’t want to run around frantically preparing lunches right before you need to head out.
6. Involve Older Siblings in Saying Goodbye
An excited sibling who waves goodbye as Mommy or Daddy leaves for work can also help calm younger ones.
7. Keep Things Simple on Your Child’s First Day
There will be plenty of opportunities to introduce new activities later.
Find something exciting to look forward to after dropping them off: As much as possible, try not to worry while you’re waiting outside daycare – but having a bit of fun planned once you drop them off can really reduce stress.
8. Communicate With other Parents
Getting involved with other moms/dads at daycare is another great way to ease into things.
9. Consider Hiring Part-time Help
For those who don’t need full-day childcare, hiring a babysitter occasionally to give you a break (or join them at daycare!) can offer relief from worry.
10. Remember Why it Works for Your Family
In most cases, childcare makes everyone happier in the long run…and remember that once your kiddo turns 3 years old, you can always go back to caring for them completely on your own!
