How to Make Morning Daycare Drop Off Easier

By Admin
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19 Dec, 2017
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Mornings with a toddler or preschooler aren't always easy. Everyone's had one of those mornings when nobody can find their shoes, and on top of that, you forget something and have to turn around. And you still haven't gone through the chaos of dropping your toddler off without one of you crying. But don't stress. Plenty of parents find the daycare drop-off dilemma a challenge, to say the least.

To start with, know that you aren't alone. Along with all of the other moms and dads that go through dropoff issues on a daily basis, your child's teachers also understand just how difficult this time can be for both you and your child.

Even if preschool pre-school isn't easy right now, it will get better. If you need some extra help dealing with daycare drop-offs, take a look at these tips for making your mornings run more smoothly.

Trust the Teachers

There's a reason why you chose your child's daycare center. Along with the program's curriculum, the school's policies and everything else that the center has to offer, you also felt an overwhelming sense of comfort with the staff.

The teachers are not only qualified to work with young children but also to provide the loving care that you want your child to have while you're away. Remember this when you drop off your child. You aren't abandoning your child or leaving them with just anyone. You're dropping them off with people who truly care.

Make it Quick

It's tempting to linger when you drop your child off - especially if they are feeling tearful. Walking half-way out of the room and turning back for one more kiss and hug isn't helpful. While it may seem like the right thing to do, it can actually have the opposite effect.

Think of drop-off like ripping a bandage off. Fast and easy makes the most sense. Don't run through dropoff without giving your child a proper goodbye, but also don't stick around for a half hour.

Chances are that your child will calm down soon after you leave. The teacher will engage the kids in an activity, read a book or start circle time. Once the activities start, your child will tune in to the classroom day and forget about the sad separation time.

Create a Routine

Children thrive on predictability. So with the addition of a new child care arrangement, you need to switch things up and create a new drop-off routine. Make the mornings run smoothly with a predictable, stepby-step process that you go through every day. The specifics of your routine will depend on your family, your needs and what your child is used to.

Along with creating an entire morning routine (from wake-up all the way through drop-off) you can also make a special goodbye ritual as well. Come up with a secret handshake that only the two of you know, sing a song together or bring a favorite book to quickly read before you leave. The morning routine or drop-off routine can soothe your child and give them a sense of comfort that they might not otherwise have.

Set an Example

If you're a wreck, then your child will know it. And your sadness or discomfort might cause them to worry. Even though you might feel like a crying mess inside, keep your anxiety or sadness to yourself. Smile, act like daycare is the best place on the planet and set an example for what an easy drop-off should be. The more comfortable that mom or dad look, the more comfortable your child will feel.

Daycare drop-off doesn't have to be a nightmare. If you're looking for a place where you can be sure your child is in good hands, contact Riviera Children's Center.