If staying home is not an option, do your future daycare a favor and socialize your children to help them adjust.
Help them learn how to nap independently. Expose them to as many foods as possible. Talk to them about being away from you. The toughest part for children, parents, and daycares is learning how to adjust to each other. There is a world of anxiety when it comes to leaving your child with a “Stranger” for the first time, and your child will feel your apprehension. Remember tears may happen no matter the amount of preparedness.
My daycare has always encouraged parental interaction on the initial first few visits, helping parents and children feel comfortable in the new surroundings. Napping helps break up the day, and most facilities will at least have a “quiet time”. Downtime is important for the children and daycare staff. It gives a sense of comfort for your child to wake up safely in the new environment. Food in any situation can be a comfort or a source of anxiety. You can always ask your future daycare for sample menus. The more exposure your child has to the new norms to their day, the more enjoyment they will get out of the experience.
Visiting your daycare prior to needing it will give you the flexibility of shorter days for your child, and for you to get to know the staff. Your comfort is important, and your child will learn comfort through your growing confidence in their new surroundings. Communication is key, it is very important that you express any and all concerns you might have, and you should feel confident that you are being heard. Your new daycare should always be willing to listen and do what is reasonable for the comfort of your child. Please remember this is your child. Daycare spaces are limited, but your child is priceless.
Home based daycares (like mine) tend to have smaller numbers, and can have a more intimate surrounding, but the distraction of more children in a licensed daycare facility might be what your child needs. Know what you want out of daycare, and give yourself ample time in trying to find the right fit for your family. Always ask for references from either type of care, and do your due diligence in following up on them. Remember cost does not always dictate better or worse care.
My day home usually requests children to be in comfortable clothing. Clothing that is easy to change diapers in, or use the bathroom, that you are okay with possible stains on, makes everyone happier. In addition we have an online group for parents to see some of the activities through out the day. Parents are encouraged to speak freely at the door, and to do drop in visits if they would like to. No day home/daycare should restrict parental involvement as long as it is in the best interest of the child. Transparency is especially important when it comes to meeting everyone’s needs.
Although this is just a sample of things to help yourself and your child with adjusting to day home/daycare settings, these are very important. Lot’s of how your children adjust will come with time. By getting them out socializing with their peers, you will teach yourself and them how to be without the comfort of each other.