| When you send your 2-3 year-old off to a day | | | | such a young age. Nevertheless it is still best to |
| care center or nursery class, there are difficult | | | | describe what you think will be of interest to your |
| issues of separation and independence for both | | | | child. In any case, no matter what you do, you |
| parent and child. Older children, 4 or 5 years old, | | | | should expect that the transition require a period |
| will probably go off without much difficulty, but | | | | of adjustment and reassurance for your child. |
| younger kids may have a very hard time with | | | | On the first day, make sure that you explain to |
| leaving their parents. | | | | your child that you will have to leave her with the |
| As with many things in the life, the secret is in | | | | rest of the children once you get there. You |
| the preparation. You can help your child begin the | | | | should reiterate when you are coming back (for |
| transition by talking with him ahead of time about | | | | example "right after lunch time"). If you are |
| what is going to happen. It is best to start three | | | | having a friend or neighbor pick-up your child, be |
| or more weeks before the date that the | | | | sure to explain this too. |
| preschool program or daycare center | | | | You will need to be extra patient during the first |
| commences. You will need to patiently reassure | | | | few days. Saying goodbye can be difficult for a |
| your child. That includes taking him with you on | | | | small child, and it can take up to 30 minutes and |
| little trips to the facility, and showing him all the | | | | many goodbyes before you are able to leave |
| other kids and toys that he will be able to play | | | | them. If your child bursts out in tears, do not |
| with. Discuss the visits with your child, and in | | | | threaten or scold them - but instead reassure |
| these discussions be sure to remind and ask him | | | | them. Don't worry, as the child gradually becomes |
| how "fun" it all looked. | | | | accustomed to you leaving, it will eventually, |
| For children under the age of 2 years, it is much | | | | hopefully after a week or so, start to become |
| more difficult to prepare them for daycare time, | | | | easier. |
| because they have much less understanding at | | | | |