Leaving your wee one in childcare for the first time can be hard. But a chat with your child’s key worker or childminder about the best ways to help your child feel settled should help you feel a bit more relaxed and reassured.
Preparing for the first day
Before they've started, you might be feeling nervous about how they'll settle in or be worried about how you'll feel when you leave them for the first time. But you might also be looking forward to them getting their first taste of independence and getting yourself some extra time to work, study or get through the huge to-do list.
Other parents across Scotland have given us their tips and ideas for how to get their wee ones (and themselves!) feeling good about starting childcare.
Image of children smiling and walking towards the camera, holding a spoon with a ball balanced on it.
Tip #1: Point it out when you walk past
Tip #1: Point it out when you walk past
Tip #2: Talk about it with your child
Tip #2: Talk about it with your child
Tip #3: Get really excited about it
Tip #3: Get really excited about it
Tip #4: Speak to your childcare provider and ask questions
Tip #4: Speak to your childcare provider and ask questions
Tip #5: Getting them used to being away from you
Tip #5: Getting them used to being away from you
Getting ready for the first drop off
The moment is here – the first drop off. It's a big event, especially if you haven't spent much time away from your wee one before. You might be really nervous about it, but it does usually get a lot easier with time. Below are some tips other mums and dads have tried that have helped their wee ones settle, and have helped them feel reassured.
Image of two children breaking up pieces of chocolate in a bowl at a table in a playroom.