Tammy's Ten: Ways to Prepare Your Child for Daycare

Relinquishing the care of your child to a stranger is one of the hardest things a parent can do. Going back to work after maternity leave is a difficult time and you don't want to have to worry about your children! Preparing your child for this transition is essential. See Tammy's Ten for some great tips.

1. Socialize your child. Have play dates with other children, visit the park often, enroll your child in swimming lessons or attend local playgroups. Playing with other children requires different skills than playing with mom and dad.

2. Emulate the daycare schedule at home. If there are consistent nap or snack times at the daycare your child will be attending, encourage the same routine at home. It will help your child adjust to their new surroundings.

3. Update your child's inoculations. Daycare centers can restrict entry for children without the required shots. Make sure to keep a record of the immunizations they receive and the dates they occurred.

4. Arrange a visit at the daycare. Tour the facility with your child and introduce him or her to the staff. Drop your child off for only a few hours on their first visit. Familiarizing your child with the daycare and gradually introducing the change can really make a difference!

5. Introduce your child to multiple caregivers. Have your parents watch your children while you go to the movies. Let your friends watch your children when you go to a wedding. This will subject your child to different styles of parenting and help with separation anxiety.

6. Talk to your children about beginning daycare. Tell your child all about their new school, who their teachers will be and what they will be doing. Point out the daycare when you go for a drive. They may not understand everything you are saying, but it will help familiarize them with the change.

7. Keep comfort items at the daycare. Buy a new blanket and teddy bear for school. Purchase a cute backpack for their spare clothes. This will get your child excited about the change and you will not worry about forgetting something important!

8. Encourage age appropriate behavior in your child. Will they be eating with a spoon, sleeping on a toddler bed or using the potty at the daycare? Find out in advance the behaviors you should be encouraging in your child.

9. Encourage solo play. Your child may be used to your undivided attention, but the daycare worker will have other children to attend to. Encouraging children to play by themselves will make life easier for everyone.

10. Help the daycare workers learn about your child. Tell them your child's favorite song, their usual bedtime routine and the make-believe words they sometimes use. Give them the information they need to properly care for your child.

Beginning pre-school is an important stage in many children's lives. Ensuring your child has a positive experience is essential to their future growth. Try not to get emotional when you drop off your child. They can sense more than you know. Good luck!