When it comes to infant care, there can be nothing more challenging for a parent or caregiver than ensuring a smooth transition. We spend so much time developing a bond with our babies, when it comes to sharing that special bond with a new care provider or teacher, it’s a major adjustment for everyone involved.
The good news is, with a good transition plan in place, it can ease the burden on everyone. Which is why at Providence Children’s Academy we believe in the core belief that the parent is the child’s first and most important influence. We welcome our parents, guardians and special family members into the process of a child’s transition and their educational journey.
In this article we explore a parent’s guide to a gentle, loving and empowering transition into infant care.
Gently Prepare Your Baby Before Day One
Infants are like most of us, anything new that happens fast can leave us feeling confused, overwhelmed and panicked. Intentionality, planning and gentle preparation can help towards a smooth transition.
Consider a Daily Routine
One thing that all infants thrive on is a routine. If you can aim to copy a similar routine at home as your child will experience when they move into infant care, you’ll establish predictability which makes them feel safe.
Encourage Self Soothing
Babies will grab onto a pacifier, a blanket, a bottle or even a special soft toy to soothe themselves naturally. If you can gently encourage more of those moments at home, then they will have something to hold onto as their safety net in a new environment.
Practice Moments of Disconnect, and Reconnect
The biggest fear in a child’s heart is that their favorite people on earth would leave them somewhere and never come back. This is why transitions take so much patience and reinforcement of love and support. Before your child starts infant care, try to practice leaving them with a trusted family member for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the time to a few hours. The more you can practice leaving and coming back, the more they will get used to the fact that they can trust you to return.
Develop a Brief Simple Goodbye Process
The happier and calmer you are during drop off time, the easier it will be for your baby. We understand the emotions that a parent can feel, but this is the best way to ensure the child learns to rely on and trust the teachers to look after their needs while the parent is away.
Avoid the Linger
Lingering around can cause more anxiety for your child than anything else, and your presence can also set off the rest of the infants who are trying to settle into their daily routine. The disconnect is the hardest part, so try and keep it simple for your child to process it.
Emotional Reactions are Normal
It is totally normal for you to feel that disconnect and struggle to detach from your baby. Remind yourself that your baby is far more adaptable and capable than you think. We are also here to support you, and make this process as comfortable as possible. Be patient with yourself and with your child.
Build Strong Partnerships with School Staff and Teachers
Part of our philosophy is to include parents and caregivers into the educational journey of each child. Not only does this establish an open communication policy but the transparency we nurture with parents creates a calm, confident experience for everyone, including the baby.
We encourage parents to attend all the school related events, activities and information evenings as possible. Our friendly staff are open to questions, conversations and reassurance whenever you need it.
Enroll Your Child at Coconut Creek’s Top Preschool
If you haven’t yet enrolled your infant then give us a call at 954-570-6914 or contact us online, we can’t wait to welcome you into our Providence Children’s Academy family.