Informative Articles

The first day at day care is a big one for all concerned mum, child and carer. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. Here are a few tips on how best to prepare all of you for the big day and help make that transition a smooth one.

Mom - Start gently preparing your child in advance, mentioning what a great adventure day care will be with lots of friends and games. Keep it low key though do not overdo it as this could overwhelm your child. Provider - You could provide mom with the first names of children and carers at the day care and suggest role playing with dolls so everything is not completely strange on that first day.

Mom should begin some of the day care routines with the child in the weeks preceding and encourage independence by arranging visits to friends. The provider should insist that mom and child pay numerous visits to the day care in the weeks before the first day so all is not completely strange.

Mom, try and have everything packed and labeled the night before (change of clothes, comfort toys, snacks) and all administrative tasks i.e. payment, forms etc taken care of so you can focus on your child. Have a fun breakfast and chat enthusiastically about the adventure ahead. Providers should have an extra staff member on hand to help with the settling in.

Providers, insist that parents walk their child from the car to the door. Mom, allow your child to pack his own bag. When you get to the day care do not carry him, this will just make the separation all the harder. Hold his hand and walk him to the door.

Providers, your settling in routines are vital and it is crucial you allow mom to be there but not be there. Let the child move at his own pace - be it observing quietly or playing alone. Provide one on one support and be ready when mom leaves to whoosh him away and providing lots of distraction with toys and activities.

Settling in is the time for mom to be there but not be there... Mom should be in the background providing fairly silent support. Allow your child to absorb his new surroundings. Gauge his reactions by stepping out of the room momentarily, explain that you are making a phone call and are just in the hall. Eventually, you will sit in your car or get a coffee as your child settles down. When that time comes say, bye mom will see you later, positively with a quick kiss and leave the room. If your child cries do not look back. They will be distracted and will stop crying shortly.

Parents and providers should work together from the very beginning. This communication and consistency will ensure a happy and smooth transition for the child. Now, providers can enjoy their new little character and moms can enjoy a few hours of me time!!

Fiona Lohrenz has spent the past 10 years minding other people's children and her own. She writes about her field on her childcare website. he has also used this knowledge to produce a 'Start a Child Care Business' DVD guide: StartChildCare.com You can find her at her website: ChildCareOnly.com