First days of daycare are very emotional, hard and stressful for both parents and a child. Being separated from the parents for the first time and leaving the warmth of home for the unfamiliar place is very emotional. Children always experience the first days of daycare tumultuously expressing their anxiety through tears and jitters. That’s why parents need to be extra caring and loving during this period. It will help a child to accept the change easier and get familiar with the new surrounding, people and routines. How a child will react depends a lot on child’s character, how sensitive a child is and on the quality of a relationship a child has with parents. The stronger the bond between parents and a child, the easier will be this transition period as a child will feel loved and protected and not abandoned.
Child’s age also make this transition difficult since verbal skills are not sufficiently developed. So non-verbal communication is extremely important. To be more specific, parents need to pay particular attention to the touch. Hugging, kissing, caressing a child after daycare is crucial. Also spending more time playing with a child at home will help overcome the inevitable stress. Parents are also encouraged to introduce new toys or new playing techniques for a child to forget about a day spent with strangers. Playing with a child various games in indoor play centre equipment which very much resembles the ones daycare centers have is a good way to help a child adapt to the new ambient. This is especially rewarding for sensitive children which usually react violently in the first days of starting daycare and becoming very agitated. Thankfully, adaptation is just a passing phase. And with extra attention and care this will easily be surmounted.
The best way to reduce anxiety and stress is by gradually introducing daycare. It is recommended for a child to first get acquainted with a daycare teacher and to stay in the daycare for few hours only in the beginning. Over a period of time, staying hours should be extended. Although short-term, adaptation phase can be harder on some kids. It can lead to nighttime urination or greater need for the presence of a parent. Therefore, parents must have a lot of patience during the adaptation period. One of the things parents need to do is talk with the teacher and indicate child’s likes and what may be disturbing. A child should also take along a favorite toy, bottle, baby blankets and wraps, or any other object a child is attached to and which will provide the needed sense of security. Since a child cannot fully express feelings about new place, everything parents commune should be spoken with a gentle tone. Daycare should be presented as a fun and safe place where a child can play and acquire new friends.
