The First Time to Daycare – How to Help Your Child (and Yourself!)
The first day at daycare is a big milestone – not only for your child, but also for you as a parent! New faces, a different environment and a day full of new impressions... it is logical that this takes some getting used to. But rest assured: with a little preparation, this step will be a beautiful and pleasant experience for both of you!
"Good preparation helps to make the transition as smooth as possible."
It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings. You might feel a little nervous or wonder how your child will experience daycare. That’s perfectly okay! It helps to remember that daycare brings many benefits: your child will discover the world, make new friends, and develop through play. A good preparation can make the transition as smooth as possible. These tips will help both your child and you start this new adventure with confidence:
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Talk about it: Start talking about daycare in a relaxed way. Explain that your child will soon be going to daycare, what they can do there, and how much fun it will be.
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Read together: There are many wonderful children’s books about daycare. Reading them together gives your child a clear idea of what to expect.
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Keep a consistent routine: Try to follow a daily routine at home that resembles daycare, such as regular meal and sleep times. This gives your child stability.
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Get used to other caregivers: Let your child occasionally spend time with grandparents, friends, or other trusted adults. This helps them get comfortable with new caregivers and environments.
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Make it fun: Talk enthusiastically about daycare: "You’ll get to play, do crafts, and make new friends!"
Stay relaxed: Children are very sensitive to emotions. If you show confidence and calm, it gives your child a sense of security. When picking them up, a positive response like “You did so well today!” works much better than “Oh, poor thing, was it hard without mommy?”
Get used to daycare routines: Is your child still fully breastfed? It may help to practice with a bottle in advance. Does your child still sleep in your bed at home? You could start getting them used to sleeping alone in their own bed. Building these habits at home in a familiar environment helps your child feel more comfortable at daycare.
Take time to adjust: Many daycare centers offer a gradual introduction period. This helps your child become familiar with the new environment step by step. During this period, everything is new for both you and your child. Fortunately, the staff are ready to help and answer any questions or concerns. You are definitely not the only parent who feels a little nervous—sometimes more than your child!
Trust your instincts: You know your child best. After the first few days, you will see how your child adapts, grows, and enjoys themselves. Before you know it, your little adventurer will be waving happily at the door! With a little preparation, the first daycare experience can be warm, positive, and full of confidence. You’ve got this!
