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Daycare Dos and Don'ts

10 Tips to Prepare Yourself – and Your Child

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

In addition to avoiding an emotional goodbye, Tonya Shelton, a registered nurse and former director of Child Care for Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin, Ill., advises not "popping" back into your child's center. "After you've said goodbye and are on your way, don't go back into the daycare center for one final check or extra hug," says Shelton. Your return and subsequent departure may actually trigger another round of anxiety because your child will have to adjust to your departure all over again. If your curiosity gets the best of you, wait 20 minutes and make a quick call to the center to check on your child. Lux also cautions that trying to avoid a scene will not prevent your child from becoming upset when you drop her off. "When your child realizes you've slipped away, she will experience the same emotional response as if she saw you leave," she says. A short, loving and consistent goodbye will give your child the chance to face your absence, develop the ability to process her emotions and understand that your absence is ot permanent.

Want to see more?

• Preschool/Daycare Checklist
• In Good Hands: How to Prepare for Leaving Your Baby With a Caregiver
• Back to Work: Returning After Maternity Leave
• Talk about it!

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