728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Safe Family › Daycare Dos and Don'ts

Daycare Dos and Don'ts

10 Tips to Prepare Yourself – and Your Child

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Practice What You Preach
Give your baby the chance to model your behavior and acceptance of attending daycare. Let her watch you chatting with the staff to encourage your child to trust these people. When she sees your smile and hears the calm interaction between you, she will sense your confidence in her caregivers.
 
Have a Back-up Plan
Although your ultimate goal is for your entire family to become accustomed to daycare, it is wise to expect a few glitches along the way. Bridget Lemazny of Twin Lakes, Wis., found out having a family member or trusted friend who is readily available and resides close to your child's daycare center as an emergency contact adds an additional layer of support. "Our son had chronic ear infections and I couldn't keep taking time off of work," she says. "It was such a relief to have a network of backup caregivers." In the event you're away from your office or trapped in a meeting, you'll appreciate not having to scramble to find a childcare alternative as well as knowing your child is receiving trusted, tender loving care.

The Daycare Diaper Bag

Pack a few "special" items that both lend comfort and support for a child going off to daycare. A small backpack, "dino diaper bag" or "princess purse" filled with a combination of items lends security and creates a diversion for separation anxiety. Tuck in a copy of a favorite book from home, a few family photos or even one of your old T-shirts that your child can stow in her daycare cubby or rely on for naptime.

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.