Several young children struggle with the transition to child care, especially if they have never been away from their parents for even a short period of time. This is also one of the reasons why children become anxious, which leads to aggression and tears. A child’s tantrum can cause a lot of stress in grown-ups as well. To avoid all of this, take a look at the following tips for making the transition to a daycare easier for kids.
Switching from one activity to another is referred to as a transition. Transitioning between activities is not a big deal for kids. They can easily adjust to turning off the phone, eating dinner, and putting away the toys. When the transition is new and takes place in a different environment or space that the child is unfamiliar with, it may be more difficult for them.
Some of these transitions are simple to handle; however, the latter types of transitions can be difficult for both children and their parents.
The transition from child care to kindergarten can be quite difficult for children. It can be difficult for children who are starting child care for the first time or returning after a long absence to adjust to their new surroundings.
Why are transitions difficult for children?
Transitions can put your child’s brain under a lot of strain. Because children are creatures of habit, anything that isn’t predictable can cause them to lose focus and perceive it as a threat. It also takes a lot of energy, especially when they are in the middle of a new transition. When children are young and unable to control their emotions, this can be a problem. When they have to transition from a high-energy routine to a low-energy routine, for example, it can be difficult for them to overcome their excitement, which can result in a meltdown.
It is difficult for children to overcome these issues because their brains are still developing. They find it difficult to self-regulate, which is why they require adult assistance to make transitions easier. Transitioning to child care can be very daunting for children but there are many benefits your child can get out of child care.
Tips for making transitions easier for children
If you’re looking for ways to help your child adjust to child care, it’s critical that you give them a safe and secure environment. This can be accomplished using the four Ps. which are the following:
Prepare
Everything must be prepared ahead of time. As a result, you and your child will be overwhelmed. If you’re running around in the morning looking for socks, sunscreen, or even your car keys before leaving, you’ll be stressed, and your child will feel the same way.
Children can pick up on a lot of information from their surroundings. You would be unable to cope with your child’s emotions because you would be so stressed. Adults occasionally snap or lose their cool, and the children suffer as a result. It is critical to establish a bond with your child in order to make them feel safe, and this is the time when they will require it the most.
As a parent, it’s critical to have everything ready the night before so that there are no issues in the morning. Make sure your child’s bag is packed and clothes are laid out. Get up a little earlier by setting your alarm for 10 minutes before you wake up. This will help you create a mental map that will help you navigate the various activities throughout the day.
Professionals recommend including a transition item, such as a teddy or a doll, to help the children feel safe when you are not present. These items can serve as a link between home and child care, allowing your child to maintain contact with you even when you are not present. If your child is attached to a particular toy, make sure they bring it to kindergarten with them. Also, inform your child’s teachers so that they can encourage him or her to use it during the school day.
Plan ahead
It is critical that you plan ahead of time and that your child is aware of your plans. They will know what to expect as a result of this. It is a good idea to discuss the morning routine with a child -whether they would eat at home or at the child care facility; What will happen if they are dropped off, and what will they encounter? Children require constant routine awareness, and sharing this information with them will make things easier.
It could be as simple as eating breakfast together when you wake up and then getting dressed to go to kindergarten. “Mrs May would be there to welcome you, and you’d be playing with a large group of people”. Providing these instructions to your children can help relieve stress, eliminate power struggles, and create moments of connection at the same time.
Practice the routine at home
One of the simplest things parents can do for their children is to ensure that they practise something that feels comfortable and familiar to them. If they’re supposed to bring their lunch box to kindergarten, for example, make sure they know how to open it and locate it in their bag. Teach them how to open the water bottle as well. If your child is going to the bathroom for the first time, make sure they have practised using the restroom and handwashing.
Teach your children to seek adult assistance when they need it. It may be difficult for them to make a connection with another adult if they have not spent time away from you. If at all possible, take your child out on play dates and allow them to interact with other parents so that they can get a sense of how it feels to talk to someone other than their parents.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their children in order to help them transition from school to our Brunswick child care centre.
This allows your child to practise and adjust to a new routine and environment. However, the session should usually begin at the start of the school year so that your child can get to know his or her teachers and classmates. The child will feel safe and secure with you during the sessions, and as they become more comfortable, you can gradually remove yourself and encourage more independence from your child.
Promote
It is critical that you elevate your child to a position of authority. Allow them to do a variety of tasks so that they feel included and in control of the situation. When you give them the power and ability to demonstrate that impact, it can improve their cognitive abilities. You can let your child pick out his or her own clothes for child care. You can also enquire about the song they’d like to listen to during the ride.
Some children can also be in charge of keeping their backpack and drink bottle out of the way. Even something as simple as pressing the elevator button can give your child a sense of power and importance. As a result, there will be no power struggles or conflicts during the transition period.
Working with your child to create an empowering good-bye ritual is recommended by experts. It could be a high five or a secret handshake. These are routines that can aid in the transition and give children a sense of control, particularly if they initiate it. Ascertain that your child is aware that you will be present while they settle in. You would leave once they were ready. They can begin the special good-bye ritual in this manner and be happy about it. When children believe they can make their transition on their own terms and at their own pace, they are less likely to be stressed.
