Dropping your child off at a child care provider
Dropping off a child at a child care provider can be a struggle for many new parents. You may be suffering from apprehension relating to worries ranging from how they will adjust in their new environment to general separation anxiety. Today.com writes that these feelings are natural, even the potential tears from both you and your children. However, here are some suggestions on how to make this transition a little bit easier for everyone.
- Develop some familiarity: Being introduced to a new, unfamiliar place can be difficult to adjust to, even for adults. This is why bringing a small reminder of home with your children every day will ease the transition time for them. Their favorite blanket or anything that "smells like home" can be useful in providing the sense of security they are craving. Furthermore, creating a daily goodbye routine will give them something to expect, along with making the parting easier on you.
- There will be tears: We all find some way to decompress when adjusting to different social situations, which is one reason why your young child or infant cries when you leave them. You should not be alarmed or unwilling to leave them for this unless their distress persists for a long period of time. Crying and developing in a new scenario is a major milestone for their social and independent growth.
- Create a channel of communication: Though you may worry about your children while away at work, developing a strong bond with your child care provider will let you know who is taking care of your child, along with giving you the option to ask any questions that may arise during this time.
For child care professionals, ProSolutions Training offers online child care training to gain the experience you need. Some of the courses related to children's mental health include "Mental Health and Trauma Effects in Children," "Resilience Strategies for Children's Mental Health," and "Social and Emotional Competence of Children." Contact us today to learn more.
