Whether we like to hear it or not, January is a tough month for some mothers. Learning to let go of our kids for 8 -10 hours a day is a great struggle.
Most parents dread dropping their kids off for the first day of preparatory school, the anxiety of overwhelming yourself with questions such as, will they enjoy themselves? will they get along with other kids? will they miss me? Creeps in and might start messing up your day.
According to Jacktherabbit care parents have to plan in advance, before they can freely drop their kids at daycare and survive the first day without worrying too much.
Here are a few suggestions that can help ease the anxiety of leaving your babies at daycare:
Research
Doing research is important for any parent to know where their children are.
Are the child carers qualified to take care of more than one child?
What are the references of the childcare center?
Make sure you know the policies, procedures and healthcare of the daycare center.
Visitation
If your child hasn’t started daycare, visit the daycare with them once or twice and orientate them with the surroundings of the daycare.
Your child can get a chance to get to know the child carer prior to his stay.
Always reference daycare in your talks with the child, so they can be emotionally prepared and excited.
A checklist
It is a nightmare to forget your child’s favorite toy, their favorite scented wipes or anything that they use daily. Let them help you to put everything ready for them using a checklist.
According to Psychiatrist Dr Saranga, as a parent before you can be comfortable leaving your baby behind you have to practice separation, this is good for you as a parent and for your baby. Leaving your baby with a child-minder 2 -3 hours a day will help them get used to the idea of being left behind and you will also start being comfortable knowing your child doesn’t make a fuss and is used to the idea.
