Helping Your Child Adjust to Daycare: Tips for Reducing Crying and Improving Comfort

It’s not uncommon for children to experience some difficulty adjusting to the structure and routine of daycare, especially when they first start attending. However, if your child has been attending daycare for 15 months and is still crying on a regular basis, it may be time to consider some possible solutions to help them feel more comfortable and happy in their daycare environment.

First and foremost, it’s important to communicate with your child’s caregivers and discuss your concerns. They may have some insights into why your child is crying and can offer suggestions for helping them feel more at ease. It’s also a good idea to observe your child’s behavior during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as during the day, to see if you can identify any specific triggers for their crying.

Solutions to help kids adapt at daycare

One possible solution is to introduce some familiar items from home into your child’s daycare space. This could include a blanket or stuffed animal that they find comforting, or a family photo to remind them of the people they love. You can also try giving your child a small toy or object to hold onto during the day, which may provide them with a sense of security and familiarity.

Another solution is to gradually increase the amount of time your child spends at daycare. If they’re only attending for a few hours a day, try extending their time by a half hour or so each week until they’re comfortable staying for the full day. This will give them the opportunity to adjust to the daycare environment at their own pace and may help reduce their crying over time.

In addition, it’s important to provide your child with plenty of support and reassurance during the daycare drop-off and pick-up times. Let them know that you love them and that you’ll be back to pick them up later. You can also try to create a positive and reassuring routine for these times, such as giving them a hug and a kiss before you leave and making sure they have a favorite snack or toy to enjoy while you’re gone.

Knowing when to seek expert advice

If your child’s crying persists despite these efforts, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a child development specialist or a therapist who can offer additional support and guidance. They can help you identify the underlying causes of your child’s crying and provide you with strategies for helping them feel more comfortable and happy in their daycare environment.

Overall, it’s important to remember that every child is different and may have unique needs when it comes to adjusting to daycare. With patience, understanding, and a willingness to try different solutions, you can help your child feel more at ease and happy in their daycare setting.