You’ve likely been there for almost every moment of your child’s life, so starting day care can be a huge adjustment. Even if your child is old enough to understand what day care is, they may not be prepared to spend several hours with strangers. Below are a few tips for getting your toddler ready for their first day care center experience.

How to Prepare Your Toddler for Day Care

1. Talk to Your Children

Day care might seem like a simple concept to you, but to your child, it can be foreign and scary. Start talking about day care a few months before your child is scheduled to start. Explain what happens and try to make it sound like a fun opportunity to participate in activities or make new friends.

2. Work Day Care Into Playtime

Play allows children to try out new experiences and personas in a stress-free environment. Making a pretend game out of day care can help them prepare for new places and new experiences.

Try going through a daycare routine during playtime. For instance, make-believe snack time, taking a nap, and try some games and activities they might encounter at day care.

3. Do Activities Out of the House

Making small adjustments to your child’s routine and getting them out of their comfort zone now can help them cope with more dramatic changes later. The more time they spend with children their own age, the less jarring going to day care will be.

For instance, you might take your child to your story time at your local library. Some libraries also host craft sessions designed to help children develop their socialization skills.

4. Encourage Independence

Building your child’s independence will give them the confidence to tackle new situations and reduce separation anxiety. Start by letting them make their own choices and do things themselves.

For instance, let your child decide whether they want to brush their hair or their teeth first, or whether they want an apple or grapes for a snack. Letting them choose between two acceptable options will give them a feeling of independence without indulging unhealthy behavior.

The right day care center will make your child feel safe, and provide enough stimulation to set them up for future success. As Mendon, NY’s top day care center, Mendon Child Care Center is dedicated to giving children of any age the attention and care they need. Visit their website to learn more about their services, get more tips and advice on Facebook, or call (585) 624-2337 to schedule a tour today.