What You Need to Know About Child Care

Posted on: 17 July 2018

As a first time parent, caring for your little one can be both an exciting and scaring journey. A time comes when you question your parenting skills. Are you doing things right or are there areas that you are going wrong? These insecurities can become even greater when the time comes to enrol your child in day care. The mere thought of leaving your little one in a facility all by themselves causes fear and anxiety in many parents. However, this is a stage that you have to go through, especially if you are required to return to work.

This article will give you three things that you should know when enrolling your little one at a day care centre.

Gather adequate information

Finding a day care centre for your child is not an easy task. You don't want to enrol them in a facility where they will not be well taken care of. Besides having a safe place to play and hang out while you are at work, your child should also be able to grow their skills at the day care centre. This means that the play and learning should focus on improving their motor skills, etiquette, and speech. Find a facility that focuses on the growth of your child. Visit potential centres, check their services, and determine whether you feel comfortable leaving your child there.

Prepare for the anxiety

Parents react differently to the thought of parting with their kids. It is okay to be anxious, worried, and protective about this new stage in you and your child's life. Once you know this, it will be easier to cope. However, don't make these feelings of anxiety overwhelm you to the point of affecting your emotional wellbeing. Take measures such as calling the day care once in a while to check up on your child as this tends to calm down most parents. Over time, you will realize that your kid is thriving at day care, and this will allow you to remain calm and relaxed.

Create a routine

Once you have settled with a day care centre, develop a drop-off and pick up routine. Do these things around the same time each day so that your child can get accustomed to the new schedule. Also, you may want to develop a routine at home for before and after day care. For example, after pick up, your child can take a bath, watch their favourite show, eat dinner, and go to bed early.

Enrolling your child at a day care centre can be an emotional step for most parents. These tips will help you to easily navigate this process for the benefit of your little one.