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Daycare Dos and Don'ts
10 Tips to Prepare Yourself – and Your Child
By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
Practice Makes Perfect
You can build your child's security with attending daycare by starting with short time intervals. A few weeks before your child will be at daycare all day, schedule short visits that last 10 to 15 minutes long. Gradually increasing the time she spends at the facility will boost her confidence to be away from home and independent. Stick to the scheduled time allotment to build your child's trust in your return. Familiarity Breeds Comfort
Schedule or request the same caregiver for your child whenever possible. If you hand your child over to a member of the daycare center's staff, try to establish a connection with one individual your child feels comfortable with. This stability will reduce the stress and ease some immediate separation anxiety when adjusting to a new caregiver. Set a Routine
Suzie Lux, site Supervisor of Siskiyou Child Care Center in Mt. Shasta, Calif., urges parents to limit feeding an 
emotional or tearful goodbye scene. "A loving hug and kiss combined with 'I'll be back at 5 o'clock' is easier on you and your child," he says. "Parents need to realize that a drawn-out separation promotes more tears and anxiety." Childcare providers such as Lux reassure parents that often a child stops crying before you're back in your car. To set an emotionally stable routine, you also can allot a few quiet moments with your child before you leave the house. Reading a book, rocking or sitting with her favorite toy will give your child added attention and ease her into the transition of daycare. Spend time every day eating breakfast. Or, in the car on the way to daycare, talk directly to your child. Sing nursery rhymes or sit with your child and her caregiver before you leave.
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