Though attending a childcare setting may be an exciting time for most children, for some this transition can heighten a child’s anxiety and lead to drop offs in tears and tantrums.

To show that they are anxious is very normal, after all it’s a whole new experience for them or just being away from the comfort of family.

To help counteract the tears and tantrums, it’s important that your child (and yourself!) have had ample time within the centre to get comfortable and familiar. Prior to your child’s first day, take some time to arrange orientation sessions where your child can start building those vital relationships with one or more of the educators as well as the other children.

This can assist some children greatly in reducing their anxious feelings and provide them with a stronger sense of belonging.

Our children will and do sense our emotions too, so if you’re showing signs of being upset and anxious, then so will your child. Prompt positive conversations with your child around starting childcare or if younger, show positive body language towards the educators and within the centre environment to help put your baby or child at ease. If you’re showing and feeling positive feelings, then children most likely will respond the same!

It’s hard to leave your child whilst they cry at drop off, but it’s important to have a routine in place and try to stick to it as much as possible. Reassuring your child that you will, and when you will, return to them before saying goodbye and taking them to a familiar educator, is a good routine to follow. This encourages the child to form connections with the educators and seek comfort in them instead of dragging out the circumstance of saying goodbye for the day.

The crying may be at pick up too! This is normal as your baby or child has come to the realisation of your return and realisation of how much they missed you!

Educators will never let children just cry it out. They will always attempt different strategies to calm and settle your child, we don’t want any child feeling upset and anxious for any prolonged period of time. The settling in process takes time but if there’s any concerns from either side, it’s a good idea to arrange a meeting with the educators to discuss what’s working and what’s not, to find the best way of settling in your child to the centre.

This article was written by Centre co-owner & Director Cassandra. It was also published in the Coal Coast Baby Magazine.