Child Care
Helping Your Toddler Adjust to Child Care
Once you have decided on the type of child care you want, talk to your toddler about it. You may want to read books together about child care. Let your toddler meet the caregiver(s) and other children and spend time with them before you leave him or her on their own. Here are some additional tips to help your toddler get used to child care:
- Plan to stay as long as you need to on the first day. When you do leave, arrange with the caregiver to give extra attention to your toddler.
- Have your toddler choose a blanket or toy to take with him or her (if the child care is outside of your home).
- Tell your toddler that you will return.
- Tell your toddler that you are leaving. Don’t just disappear when your toddler starts to play. Although it may seem hard to say goodbye, your toddler will become sure that you will tell him or her about changes and will be less anxious.
- Develop a leaving ritual or routine. Say and do the same things each time you leave.
- Telephone your caregiver if your plans change. This will help to stop your toddler from worrying or being afraid that you won’t come back.
- Develop a returning ritual or routine. Give your toddler special attention.
