The end of summer often brings a variety of emotions – from excitement to nervousness. As we get ready to welcome your little one back to our Academy, we want to offer some practical tips to support both you and your child and ensure a smooth transition back into child care.
Rebuild Routines Early
Getting into a consistent rhythm early on can have a big impact on your child’s ability to get back into routine.
- Start bedtime and wake-up routines now to align with your child care schedule (CDC)
- Practice morning rituals like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a bag to build familiarity and reduce stress
- Offer visual schedules or simple checklists to help your child better understand what to expect each day
Support Big Feelings
It’s completely normal for children (and parents!) to feel nervous about returning to child care.
- Talk to your child about what child care will look like. Use positive, reassuring language like, “You’ll get to play with your friends again and see your teachers!”
- Acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to miss home or feel unsure
- Consider reading books together about child care transitions, such as:
- Llama Llama Misses Mama
- The Kissing Hand
- Refer to resources specifically geared toward supporting transitions, such as: Child Mind Institute – Easing Separation Anxiety
Build Excitement Together
Creating a sense of anticipation can help turn nerves into excitement.
- Let your child choose a new backpack or a blanket for rest time so they feel more included and engaged
- Talk about favorite activities they’ll do, friends they’ll see, and new things they’ll learn
We look forward to the year ahead and can’t wait to welcome your child and help them thrive in our warm, nurturing environment.
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Parenting Resources
