With summer coming to an end many children are getting ready to head back to daycare or preschool. After later bedtimes, vacations and extra time with family this is an adjustment. Your child may already be comfortable with drop off but with the change in schedule, nerves are common.
Now this transition can be emotional on parents too. But with a few small adjustments, the return to drop off can feel familiar again. Here are some practical tips you can use to help your toddler ease back into their school year routine.
Unlike parents, kids don’t think of summer coming to an end. With this in mind, its always best to start your transition prep before the first day. This way by the time school starts, its not a surprise but expected.
Below is a basic schedule you can use to start your transition prep:
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When to start |
What to do |
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2 weeks before |
Sleep schedule is the most important. Begin by adjusting bedtime and wakeup time. This helps your child ease back into their regular school sleep routine. |
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1 week before |
Summer mornings and daycare mornings are very different. Slowly introduce their daycare morning routine so things feel normal. Start with getting dressed, breakfast and even packing their bag. |
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A few days before |
After summer, teachers and the daycare centre can feel unfamiliar. Try a drive to the centre, looking through classroom photos, arts and crafts and positive talks about the teachers. |
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The day before |
Treat the day before like a dry run. Start the entire day as you would when the official day comes. And to make things fun, treat and exciting, make a game out of it so your child is entertained and eager to do it again tomorrow. |
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The night before |
A great way to get toddlers excited about school is by involving them in the prep. Have them help with packing bags, prepping breakfast and clothes. |
Heading back to daycare and school after the long summer break, can bring on big emotions. Even children who are super comfortable at daycare can suddenly feel emotions, become clingy and anxious at drop-off.
Fear not, a little bit of separation anxiety is normal in child development. According to the CDC developmental milestones guide, it’s common for young children to experience distress during separations while building emotional regulation and independence.
Even though this behavioural change is to be expected most children adjust within two to four weeks. But consistency during the adjustment period is very important as kids learn from repetition. Explore additional childcare and parenting tips on the Winnie parenting resource for more support.
Here are a few signs of separation anxiety:
Remember these are only temporary so no need to panic.
How you say goodbye is just as crucial to a smooth transition. You want to keep it calm, short and predictable. A comfortable hug and one reassuring phrase and a wave will be great.
A long goodbye can seem needed but can sometimes increase anxiety and make separation even harder.
Yes, the transition back to daycare and school can feel overwhelming for both parents and kids. But with patience and consistency both of you can be settled back into your steady routine. And if you are looking for a new centre, Winnie makes it easy to find top licensed daycare and preschool programs near you.