How to Prepare Your Child for Daycare
Starting daycare marks the beginning of a new stage for you and your child. Children can usually start daycare or nursery anywhere between six weeks until just before school age - in fact, around 277,000 children under three are in nursery in the UK. There are many benefits of enrolling your child in daycare, not only does it prepare them for school, but they learn new physical, social and emotional skills needed for adult life.
For parents, this can be a difficult time, however, starting daycare should be seen as a positive step for you and your child, your preschooler will make new friends and gain confidence whereas you can regain some structure and free time within your week.
So how can you prepare your child for daycare? Read on for some top tips that can make the process a positive and enjoyable experience.
Get them involved
It’s important that you keep your child involved with the whole process as this will make them feel less anxious and more in control, it is a big step for them after all. Each child will react differently to these changes, however, there are a few ways that you can get them involved and prepared.
Visit the preschool
It’s a good idea to bring your child along when you visit the daycare centre as this will eliminate a lot of the worry your child may be having. Remember, although your child is young, it’s important that you don’t hide these things from them, just like adults, children can feel upset or scared about attending a place they’ve never been to before. If you can’t take your child along you could walk or drive by the nursery so they can see where they’re going and put a place to the name.
Let them pick new items
When shopping for new clothes, a backpack and lunchbox, make sure you involve them in the decision. Letting them choose these items or making them feel involved will encourage them to feel excited about starting preschool, they will also become more inquisitive about what’s happening and ask more questions. Finding a backpack with their favourite character on, for example, is a small step that can make a big difference.
Explain the routine
In the run up to starting daycare you should regularly speak about the nursery routine to get your child used to the change. Make them aware of the changes they are going to experience such as getting up at an earlier time, the journey you will take and when you will pick them up. Explaining the routine will get them in the mindset of starting something new, gradually easing them in instead of everything seeming like such as shock.
Play games
There are a number of fun ways that you can prepare your child for daycare, making it fun and interesting. Playing games is a great way of easing your child in and teaching them new things in a less formal way. Why not play games such as building blocks as this will improve their motor skills and introduce them to activities they’ll be doing at daycare.
Buy books
A quick search online or a visit to your local library will provide you with a great range of books about starting preschool. Sometimes children are understanding things better when they have an image to refer to and picture books are one great example. As you read, point out things in the image and relate it back to your child, comments such as “Look he’s playing with his friend, you can do that at nursery too” or “This is what you’ll be doing at nursery” will help your child understand what daycare is.
Act it out
Role playing scenes is a great way of preparing your child for a range of situations. From showing them how to speak to their new teacher to practising how to put their shoes on, this will teach them a few basic skills.
Work on their skills
It can feel daunting if your child is starting daycare but they may not be as independent as other children. Remember, every child will develop at different stages and going to daycare will help with this too. However, it is a good idea to start practising some basic skills that they will need to use at daycare, this way they will feel less out of their depth and more comfortable in their surroundings.
Communication
One of the biggest and most important skills that your child will learn at daycare is communication and socialising. Being around new people means they will need to learn how to express themselves in the right way and make friends with their peers. A good way of helping them learn is to set up playdates or roleplay these situations - perhaps swap details with other parents you meet when visiting the daycare centre.
Sharing
Your child will also need to get used to sharing toys and playing together and if they don’t have siblings this could mean a big change. Make sure they know how to say please and thank you, and teach them about taking turns too.
Here at Sandfield Day Nursery, we have a range of facilities that are suitable for every child. Our activities are designed to be stimulating and fun, so your child looks forward to coming to nursery. Contact us today for more information.
Toilet training
Depending on the age of your child, some nurseries will expect your child to be potty trained so you will need to get them out of nappies before they start. Some children will take to potty training better than others, but with persistence and patience all children can use the toilet independently. Make sure you start potty training as early as you can before their start date so the process doesn’t feel rushed. However, everyone has accidents so be sure to pack a spare change of underwear and clothes. Teach your child how to ask to use the toilet so they know exactly what to do when they start nursery.
Eating skills
If your child is having food at daycare then they’ll be expected to be able to use a knife and fork. Purchase a child-friendly set of cutlery so they can practice at home and improve their fine motor skills, however, don’t expect your child to be able to use hem perfectly or even cut up their own food.
What to do on the day
So the big day has arrived and your child is ready to start daycare. You never know how your child is going to react in the morning but remain positive and try not to show if you’re upset or worried as this could make them feel anxious too. It’s also important to remember that if your child is upset this is a completely normal reaction, and over time things will get easier.
Get organised
Make sure you have everything prepared the night before including their outfit and lunch. Additionally, ensure that you leave with plenty of time to spare as your stress could be picked up by your child, causing them to feel on edge before they start school.
Speak positively
On the journey to daycare speak positively about the day staying cheery and confident. Your child may become quiet and distant but reassure them with comforting words about making friends, playing and having fun.
Stay calm
If your child gets upset and doesn’t want you to leave, stay calm in the situation and listen to the advice of the nursery workers. Try not to tell fibs such as “I’ll be waiting in the car” instead, explain that they are going to have fun and you’ll be back soon to pick them up. In the early stages you may be able to stay for a while and help them to settle in, however, if your child is showing no signs of clinginess it’s better to let them continue on their own. Once you’ve said your goodbye try not to worry, if there are any problems you’ll be contacted.
Here at Sandfield Day Nursery, based in Nottingham, we offer high-quality care for children aged six weeks to five years. Our fully trained and dedicated team recognises the specific needs of each child, ensuring that the environment is stimulating, safe and encouraging for everyone. For more information about us, don’t hesitate to get in touch today
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