How to Prepare Your Child to Enter Childcare

Our Top Tips to Help You and Your Child Settle Into Childcare

Starting childcare is an exciting milestone for your child and family. All of you will be experiencing changes as your child settles into their new learning environment. To help you prepare for this new phase in their lives and to help you settle your child into childcare, The Pocket Early Education and Care have put together some helpful tips.

Familiarise

Anxiety often comes from fearing the unknown. Although this might seem like a big issue to tackle, there’s actually a very simple way to soothe you and your child’s emotions. If you can, visit the centre with your child before their first day. Help them find where important things are, like bathrooms and play areas.

Another easy step is to familiarise your child with the centre’s daily routine. Simply ask the centre for a copy of the daily routine and gradually begin implementing this at home. Your child will take less time to adjust if they are already practicing the settings of lunch, play and nap times.

You can also tell your child stories about what childcare might be like. Read them books about childcare and explain the fun and exciting things that will happen while they are there. Go into detail about the activities they will participate in and the new friendships they will make. Also talk to them about how it is okay for them to feel sad, frustrated and anxious without you.

Socialise

One of the best ways to help transition your child into childcare is to let them practice interacting and meeting other kids. Take them to places or activities where other children will be around. Try taking them to playgrounds, lessons, or even to your local library for story time.

Be Positive

Because your child looks up to you, it’s important that you’ve got a positive attitude about childcare. It’s understandable if you feel anxious too, but both you and your child should view childcare for what it is – a fun and caring environment.

Make sure to focus on positive things when talking about childcare. Emphasise fun things, like playtime and making friends, and not things that might scare your child, like being away from you.

Continue

It will still be scary for both of you after the first day, and you’ll have to continue helping your child settle into childcare. When dropping them off, make sure you tell them when you will be back. Talk to their carer and show that you are confident they will look after them while you are gone.

You can also give a comfort item to your child. This can be anything from a cuddly toy to a picture of you. When it comes time say goodbye, give them a big hug and kiss and leave them in our very capable hands.

Although it’ll be tough, sending your little one to childcare is an important step in their developmental journey. Please feel free to contact The Pocket for more information on how to settle your child into childcare. We are more than happy to help.

To join our Pocket community, call Elise, our Enrolments Manager, on either 07 3568 5800 or 0476 997 332, or email enrolments@thepocketchildcare.com.au to discuss your childcare requirements.