If you are taking your child to child care in Bentley or any Perth suburb, there is a great chance they will feel separation anxiety at first. Child care is usually the first time the child spends extended periods of time away from the parent. Not only can the child feel separation anxiety, but the parent can also feel guilty.
Luckily, you can make the experience easier and more gradual by starting an acclimatisation program. The main rule for this program: the earlier the better. Here’s how to do it.
Child Care Acclimatisation Program
As soon as you sign up, take your child into the centre for a visit. Ask the director for a tour and ask if your child can play with the other children. Come in for a few visits in the weeks before your child care starts.
When your child starts to feel a bit familiar, ask a carer to show your child where he or she will be eating, sleeping and going to the bathroom. Show where the indoor and outdoor play areas are. Be sure to introduce your child to all of the carers and tell them when your child begins care. During your visits, try to stay out of the way a bit to encourage your child to play with other children and feel comfortable without you.
It is important to let the carers and the centre know about your child’s habits: information that may help them settle in, like a favourite blanket or favourite toys. Tell them about your child’s likes and dislikes or sleeping and eating habits.
You also need to talk to your child about child care. You may even want to get books about it at the library. Mostly, though, you need to talk to them about it and how much fun they are going to have.
When it’s finally time for child care, know that the first day will be the worst, but it will get better every day until your child settles in.
To learn more, call Cuddles Childcare Centre St James: +61 (08) 9358 4673.
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