How To Help Your Crying Child Settle Into Preschool And Childcare
Your child screams when you leave them at the childcare centre every morning - here's what you can do.
You hoped that your little one would thrive at the preschool or childcare centre, make lots of friends and thoroughly enjoy themselves. Yet, it has been a month since they have enrolled and they still cry when you drop them off in the morning. Here's what you can do to help them settle better – ask yourself the following five questions.
If they have never been very sociable with others their own age (for instance, they are usually withdrawn at a party), then their behaviour probably has nothing to do with the childcare centre. They might simply be shy by nature. But if they are normally outgoing, vivacious and friendly, then they are probably troubled by something. Try to find out what that could be.
Your little one’s language skills are still developing but, even so, they can communicate some feelings. So ask them about their likes and dislikes, the other children and teachers. Although they may not be able to tell you exactly what upsets them, you might get some ideas from your discussion. And anyway, your interest and attention will make them feel good about themselves.
A little one who has been cared for by, say, a helper or a babysitter while you and your spouse are at work is more likely to cope better at the centre, as compared to a child who has no experience of temporary separation from their parents. If this is their first break from you, perhaps they need a bit more time to adjust. It might also help if they spends time with someone else on weekends (for instance, with Grandma and Grandpa).
Some children need more coaxing than others to mix with their peers. Their teachers should make a regular and persistent effort to include them in group activities. They might also allocate some of the friendliest children to play with them every day.
If you have a positive attitude about childcare, they will eventually become more enthusiastic. Tell them about all the wonderful activities they will take part in at the centre while you’re on the way there. Make the separation from you brief, give them a reassuring hug and then leave. When you pick them up, don’t focus on her distress – instead, ask them about what they enjoyed and whom they played with.
This article was first published in Young Parents.