Drop off time
Transitioning from home to school can be tough at all different ages. As a matter of fact, maybe we could consider how difficult some goodbyes are even for adults! Mondays seem to be notably different than other days as well. Children really like routines and it is helpful to have a routine at drop off. What that is can vary from child to child but it is helpful that whatever you and your child figure out, to keep it similar each day.
Tips to make transition time easier on everyone
Let’s be real, leaving your child when you know they are sad is hard. Even though you’ve heard it said many times, “as soon as you are to your car, they are fine”, it’s still hard. It’s that word again … mom guilt or just plain ‘ole guilt.
Top 5 tips for drop off at child care time
- Timely: Quick is best. Of course take time for the goodbye hug, snuggle, whispered words of comfort, then … go. I know it’s fun to watch them interact with their friends, see what they choose to play with, ask them to show you something, but drawing out the goodbye is not easy. The caregiver you are trusting the education and care to with your child should be experienced to take over and guide them to a fun activity for the morning.
(Think… when you are ready to leave and the other party you’re with keeps saying goodbye in different languages and “ooh, one more thing…” conversations. Don’t you love it? #sarcasm) - Prepare: What is next conversations are always helpful to prepare your child even if you think they aren’t quite comprehending. When you are getting dressed, your conversation can be about school, even if it’s your infant, “shall we wear this shirt to school today?” Loading into the car, “are you going to see Mr. PopPop Matt today at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s?”. When you are almost to your center, “Ok, it’s almost time to go inside and put your back pack away and give really big hugs until we pick you up.” Knowing what is coming next is helpful to many children so they can get their feelings ready and not have to adjust immediately to something they were not prepared for.
- Routine: As I mentioned above, a routine is super helpful. We have a “high five” in our entryway at our early learning center. Some children and families use this upon entry before they are greeted. We encourage the children help to put their belongings away and get their water bottle ready before joining their class or before care which we have in our Kindness Hub. Then… is it a hug? a “what happens after school today” mention? routine… and don’t forget #1.
Meet Kade and his routine
Mr. PopPop Matt and Kade have developed a special routine that I think both of them look forward to each day. When Kade arrives, he says goodbyes and then Mr. Matt comes out to our Kindness Hub and reaches out his hand. Kade quickly reaches out with anticipation and they walk to the kitchen turning around for a last goodbye wave before heading to find out what should be served for breakfast. Of course, Kade doesn’t know that this has been well-planned in advance, but they have a discussion and he is happy to help. Before you know it, they are back to the hub to report their decision to the others… and if his parents are on top it – they are off to start their work day.
Kade and his family as well as another family at Just Like GRAMMY & POPPOP’s use the phrase “Mommy and Daddy always come back”, which we sometimes hear as they make sure we are aware and agree with the statement.
Now… pick ups
Drop offs won’t always be easy. They won’t always be a struggle. Just as pick ups. We have seen some children run into their family’s arms and go for the door to leave where others are not in that much of a hurry. Life as a toddler and preschooler (and parent), eh? 
Miss “Grammy” Kim