Sending your child to a day care center can really be hard the first time. Children always feel comfortable when they are with their parents and when the time comes that they need to go their separate ways, separation anxiety gets in the way. This can really be hard to deal with because this can reach to the point where children cry and throw tantrums. You are left with no choice but to tell them that you won’t do it again or just sneak out when they are not looking at you.
The first thing that you should do is to explain to your children beforehand why you are sending them to a day care center. This will prepare your child for the idea of having to stay alone in an unfamiliar place. Make sure that you tell them the reason why you need to leave them there. They need to understand that you are leaving them there because you have do and not just because you want to.
Take your child to the day care facility a few days before you will leave them there. This allows your child to get used to the place and the people who are there. This lessens the anxiety that they will fell when they are left alone there. So when the day comes that you have to leave them there, your child will be familiar with the place.
You should allow your children to bring their security blanket or favourite toy. Never deprive them of the things that will make them feel uncomfortable. If they have this with them, it will be easier for you leave them in the day care center because they will feel secure when they are holding this.
You should always set an example on how to make friends with other people there. Say hello to the staff and other children. If your child sees that it is that easy to make friends, they will not be intimidated by the other people there. They will instantly learn how a simple “hello” can build friendships in the day care center.
When it is time to leave your child, never forget to tell them that you are coming back. Children need assurance most of the time that you will be back for them. Hug them, kiss them and tell them that you love them before you leave. If your child is crying or shouting, do not come back. It is also not recommended to sneak behind their backs. Even if this is the most convenient way to leave your child, this will only send the wrong message to your child once they discover that you are gone.
It only takes patience when you want your child to get used to the day care center. It may take a few days and even a few weeks before your child will be comfortable with the idea of being away from you. All you need to do is to deal with separation anxiety the right way and it will be easier for the both of you to deal with this.
For more:
How to start a daycare Center by StartADaycare.org
