Helping your Child Adjust to Crèche

It is normal that little ones will need time to adjust when attending crèche for the first time. It is also hard for children to switch schools, as there are new faces, routines and environments to become familiar with. Some children don’t need much help getting used to change, while others can be more sensitive, or more attached to their caregivers and parents.

At Little Phase Creche, our teachers make sure to give special attention and care to new children. If you are worried about your little one, we sometimes recommend starting them for half days instead of full days – after about a week, they are more comfortable with their surroundings and usually start looking forward to their days at school. Here are some suggestions to make it easier for your child to adjust to crèche:

Read Books About Crèche: Reading your child books about starting preschool gives them a better idea of what to expect and can help calm them down. Pay attention to their feelings, while also letting them know it is okay to be a little nervous.

Visit the Crèche with your Child Beforehand: This will help them to feel more confident and comfortable with their new surroundings. Let them meet their teacher and classmates and show them where they will be sitting and putting their school bag on their first day.

Pack a Familiar Toy for your Baby: Babies under the age of 1 are still very attached to their homes and their families. Babies have safe people and safe places, which bring them comfort. For their first few weeks at crèche, pack in a comforting soft toy or blankie with familiar scents.

Sit and Talk it Through: Children handle change better when they know to expect. Talk it through with them and explain why they will be attending a school (or changing schools). Encourage your little one to share their fears with you, so that you can work through them together.

Sleep is Important: If your child is tired, everything will be harder for them at a new school. A well-rested child is more likely to settle and regulate their emotions during the school day.  A good night’s sleep is especially important before their first day.

Don’t Linger after Drop-Off: Resist the urge to run back into the school or classroom if your child is crying. This will make things worse for them and prolong the goodbye process. Our teachers will redirect their focus and make sure they get settled.

Most of all, trust that this is normal and that your child will eventually get used to school. Our teachers are invested in your little one’s wellbeing, so you can relax in the knowledge that your children are in good hands. Get excited about Your Child’s Learning Journey at Little Phase and let us know if you have any questions about preparing your little one for their first day, or about our curriculum, facilities and teachers.