When a child begins attending daycare, it is often a significant transition in their life.
While it’s quite likely that they will enjoy the friendships they begin building and the time spent exploring learning activities with their teachers, there will likely come a day where they will resist going to daycare.
It may happen out of nowhere, or it could come on the heels of a family vacation that throws off their routine. This new behavior is often a result of separation anxiety.
Luckily, this is completely normal, and there are healthy ways parents can help their little one overcome it. The tips below can be used to brighten up their child’s outlook.
Helpful strategies for parents
Validate feelings
As a parent, you want to find the healthiest and most effective ways to help your little one process their feelings rather than dismissing them. This validation can sound something like, “I understand why you’re upset, because saying goodbye can be difficult.” That validation offers parents a way to correct the behavior through a positive and empathetic interaction.
Remain calm and firm
Children are intelligent and observant, and they are capable of picking up on when their parents are feeling uncertain. Remaining confident and calm can help significantly when dropping your little one off at the daycare center on a day when they do not want to go. The most effective approach involves saying goodbye quickly and avoiding stalling on the way out of the building.
Remember their comfort items
Compromise can also help when facing a little one who is adamant on not going to daycare. Popular examples of comfort items include a blanket, favorite toy, or even a family photo. These items create a sense of security because of their familiarity, and it’s a small price to pay for a less stressful morning of dropping them off.
Build a routine
Anxiety is often tied to the unknown. Parents with a hectic schedule can unknowingly give their child anxiety due to the unpredictable changes of plans. Find a way to build a routine that works for each member of the family and then stick to it. If your child’s anxiety is keeping them from going to daycare consistently, consider working on a more consistent routine. Arriving to pick them up at the same time each day builds trust that can help make them excited for daycare.
Create a goodbye ritual
A goodbye ritual can look like many things, and it is up to individual families to determine what it looks like to them. That said, this ritual is an essential piece of the puzzle toward making separation easier when dropping a little one off at a daycare clinic. Some examples worth considering for a goodbye ritual include a secret handshake, a wave from the car, or an empowering catchphrase.
Investigating the reason
While knowing how to combat a child’s resistance toward going to daycare is vital for their growth and development, it’s also critical to look into the root cause of why they are refusing. These helpful tips can help you gather clues that will paint a fuller picture.
Talk to teachers
The child’s teachers are a fantastic resource when seeking the cause behind refusal to go to daycare. Ask if your little one settles down in a short amount of time after you drop them off, as this is often the case.
Pinpoint changes
Parents can also talk with the staff to find out if anything has changed at the daycare recently. Changes that could affect your child include a new educator, different routines, or a friend leaving.
Look for home stress
It’s a healthy approach to refrain from implementing significant changes at home while the child is struggling with transitioning to daycare. Too much at once can make young children feel overwhelmed.
How to build positive associations
Prioritize the positives
Reminding your child of the positives of daycare can remind them of the good times they have there, including interesting lessons and activities, playing with friends, and participating in learning games.
Encourage relationships
Another tip parents can use to build positive associations is encouraging friendships. Learning the names of their classmates and educators can lead to more confidence, increased social interaction, and a sense of belonging.
Plan a grand entrance
Make the moment your child arrives at daycare feel exciting and positive. For example, they could walk in pretending to be a superhero, choose a fun way to greet their teacher, or look for a favourite activity as their “first mission” of the day. This helps shift their focus from the goodbye to the day ahead.
With these tips, parents have the knowledge to understand what their child is feeling and healthy strategies they can use to get them back on track.