Settling In at a New Daycare
- Diana Weber
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
Helping Your Child Thrive in a New Daycare Environment
Starting daycare is a big step for both children and parents. It’s a season filled with new faces, routines, and experiences, and like any big transition, it takes time, patience, and connection. At Whimsy Childcare, we focus on nurturing joyful hearts and curious minds, and that begins with helping children feel safe and confident from day one.
💛 1. Prepare Together
Children adjust best when they know what to expect.
Talk about what will happen: Describe drop-off, meals, nap, and playtime in simple, reassuring terms. You can also tell your child that you will both have a good day. This helps them understand that while you will miss each other, everyone is safe, loved, and cared for. Children often mirror their parents’ emotions, so when parents stay calm and confident, children are more likely to feel secure too.
Read books about daycare: Stories like Llama Llama Misses Mama or The Kissing Hand can help children understand that it is normal to miss home but that parents always come back.
Visit the centre together: Before their first day, spend a few minutes exploring the classroom and saying hello to the teachers.
(Download our free “Morning Routine Checklist” to help your child feel confident and calm before drop-off.)
🌿 2. Create a Calm Goodbye Routine
Consistency brings comfort. Choose a short, loving routine and stick with it, such as a hug, a wave at the window, or a special phrase like “Have a wonderful day of play!”
Avoid sneaking out when your child isn't looking; saying goodbye builds trust.
Keep it brief. A long goodbye can make the transition harder for both of you.
Trust your child’s educators. They are skilled in comforting and redirecting children toward play and connection.
💧 What to Do When There Are Tears
It is perfectly normal for children to cry during drop-off. Tears are simply a sign of healthy attachment.
They show that your child feels safe expressing emotions with you. What matters most is how you respond.
Stay calm, loving, and confident. Offer a warm hug, remind them that you will be back after playtime, and keep your goodbye short and consistent. Avoid returning after you have said goodbye, even if it is hard. This can make separation more confusing.
Trust your child’s educators. They know how to comfort and gently redirect children toward play. In most cases, tears stop within minutes once the parent leaves and the child begins to engage in familiar activities.
If crying lasts longer or seems to increase over time, it is okay to check in with the educators. Together, you can come up with strategies to help your child feel more comfortable, such as bringing a small comfort item, adjusting drop-off timing, or creating a visual goodbye routine.
🧡 3. Expect an Adjustment Period
Even confident children need time to settle in. Tears, clinginess, or tired evenings are normal.
Celebrate small wins: “You stayed and played with the blocks today!”
Keep home routines predictable to offer extra security.
Ask your child’s educators how the day went and share updates from home. Together, we form a strong circle of support.
🌈 4. Keep Connection Strong at Home
Transitions feel smoother when children know that love continues no matter where they are.
Talk positively about daycare: “You get to see your friends and teachers today!”
Create a “family photo pocket” your child can look at when they miss you.
At pickup, focus on reconnecting: “I missed you! Tell me one fun thing from your day.”
🌸 5. Support Calm Mornings
How a morning begins often sets the tone for the entire day. Keeping mornings screen-free helps your child’s brain wake up gently and stay focused for play, learning, and connection. Too much screen time early in the day can overstimulate a child’s brain, making it harder for them to transition smoothly into group activities. Instead of cartoons or tablets, try quiet background music, conversation, or letting your child help pack their bag.
When parents stay calm, organized, and present, children feel that energy too. Your confidence becomes their confidence, and small moments of connection in the morning can make drop-off smoother and the day ahead brighter.
🌻 A Final Word
Starting daycare is the beginning of a beautiful journey for your child and for you. With patience, empathy, and partnership, your little one will soon feel right at home, discovering, learning, and growing each day.
📎 Download
Morning Routine Checklist Simple visual steps to make mornings smooth and stress-free.
📬 Stay Connected
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