Supporting Kids with Childcare Changes: Supporting Kids with Childcare Changes
My big boy will start big school this year, and due to the move, his younger brother will also begin at a new daycare right next door.
This will make dropping off and picking up much easier for me. It will be better for him because he can spend the next 2 years at the preschool and then go to school with the friends he made there. The childcare that he is at right now, where he has settled in well, is located a few suburbs away.
It may make sense to me to switch his childcare, but it is unlikely to make sense for him. To make it easier for him, I’m going to introduce new things slowly.
These tips may also help you if you have a child who has settled into their current kindy, but will be changing care this year.
1. Positively talk to him about the changes
Sam will be affected by the change.
I try to keep conversations positive. I remind him that his new kindy will have a great playground, that he’ll be loved by all of his new teachers, and that he’ll make new friends.
He has been able to express his feelings and anxiety by talking about it often, for example, in the car.
2. Make him the social story
Social stories, where you describe what will happen in pictures, are an effective way to communicate a change with children.
Draw this picture while you talk to your child about the new childcare. You could, for example, draw a picture with a stick person waving goodbye to the old childcare, and then draw a new picture of a child waving hello at the new childcare, and many smiley faces welcoming him. Explain that he’ll be starting soon at the new childcare. Sam understands what is about to happen when I do this. He’s been squiggling on the kitchen counter while doing it.
You could make a scrapbook out of the pictures you get from the new center. Include the classroom, playground, and teachers. Read it to your son in the weeks or days leading up to his change.
You can also borrow some wonderful books from the library, like Maizy Goes To Preschool.
3. Give him a bookend as a way to mark the changes
It’s nice for your child to have a “bookend” before starting at the new center. It helps him understand that something has ended, in this instance his old childcare. A new thing will start at his new center after the bookend. This could be a Christmas event, a holiday, or anything else that signifies the end of one thing and the beginning of another.
You could say “After our return from holiday, you’ll start at your new kindergarten.”
4. Learn about his new routine
Talk to your child’s educator about the daily routine they follow so that you can begin to implement it at home.
You could, for example, schedule your child’s daytime nap at the same time as the new childcare, so that he gets used to the routines before starting. The same goes for snack and lunch times. It will help him adjust to the routine and fit into it.
5. Take a picture of the main educator for your child
You can help your child by asking the new childcare center for a picture of their main educator. This will allow you to familiarise him with his face and name. This is not a strange request. Early childhood services understand how important it can be to make children feel comfortable and will send you an email with a smiling headshot of whoever your child will soon love.
Sam, I’m so excited to show you what I did! The teachers are so friendly and nice!
You and your little one with the new change deserve the best.
New Year, New Routines: Establishing Healthy Habits for Kids
January is more than just the beginning of the new year. It’s an opportunity for you to start a healthier and happier lifestyle with your children. Castle Rock Pediatrics believes in the power and importance of good habits. What better time than now to get started? Let’s look at our 10 tips for creating routines that will stick.
1. Sleep schedules: the foundation of health
Sleep is elusive, and it seems to disappear faster as you try to chase it. This is especially true for children. It’s not enough to get your child into bed on time. You also need to ensure they sleep well. The average school-aged child needs 9-12 hours per night of sleep, while teens need 8-10.
It can be helpful to have a calming bedtime ritual, a cool and dark room, or even remove screens from the bedroom an hour before you go to bed. Consistency is important – stick to the same wake-up and sleep times each day.
2. Digital Discipline: Managing Screentime
Oh screen time! The daily struggle. In the digital age, managing your screen time can be like trying to hold a glass of water in one’s hands. It is difficult and messy. It’s important, even for us! Overuse of screens can negatively impact sleep, academic performance, and social skills. Set limits that are adhered to.
One hour per day is sufficient for younger children. Two hours of screen time for older children is an acceptable limit. Encourage screen-free zones like the dining room table and allocate time to offline activities. Lead by example. If you’re on your phone while eating dinner, guess who is watching?
3. Exercise: A Step Towards Better Health
Children should be active. Period. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. You don’t need to play a sport to get your children moving. A family hike, a dance-off in the living room, or a quick walk to school are all acceptable. Be part of the fun. We promise that your enthusiasm will rub off!
4. You are what you eat: A balanced diet
It’s true. For a child to grow and develop properly, he or she need a balanced diet. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Limit the consumption of sugary drinks and foods. Include your children in the planning and preparation of meals. If they helped prepare the meal, they are more likely to consume it. Remember, moderation is the key. A treat now and again is fine.
5. Mental Health is a Silent Aspect of Health
Mental health is just as important as physical. Encourage open communication. Tell your children that it is okay to express their emotions. Be observant and establish routines with downtime. Stress or anxiety can be indicated by changes in sleep, behavior, or appetite. Castle Rock Pediatrics is here to assist you if ever in doubt.
6. Oral Hygiene: Beyond the Tooth Fairy
It’s easy to overlook oral health, but it is a vital part of your overall health. It is a must to brush twice daily and floss. Many apps and songs can make brushing fun. It is also important to have regular dental checkups. There are many great pediatric dentists that we can recommend in Castle Rock!
7. Positive Reinforcement: Praise is a powerful tool
Positive reinforcement is a great way to establish routines. Praise your child when they stick to their bedtime or finish their vegetables. Or, if they turn off their iPads without fuss. Small rewards like an additional story read at bedtime, or a sticker sheet can motivate your child.
8. Preventive measures are best: Routine check-ups
Castle Rock Pediatrics believes that prevention is the cornerstone of pediatric health. We can monitor your child’s development and health and offer guidance tailored to their needs. Our routine comprehensive check-ups are designed for meticulous monitoring and support of every aspect of your child’s health and development.
The frequency of these visits is dependent on your child’s age:
Parents: Here are some essential tips to help you start the new school year!
Finding the right childcare is important for a child’s healthy development and love of learning. Choosing the best care for your child is essential for healthy development and an interest in learning. Here are some tips and tricks to ease your child’s daycare transition and help them make the most out of their experience.
Understanding the Importance of Quality Child Care
The first three years are crucial for a child’s overall development, according to research. The best childcare centers provide a safe and nurturing environment, but they also encourage language-rich experiences which are essential for cognitive development. You should choose a child care center that is in line with your values as well as your child’s.
How to Prepare for the First Day
Both parents and their children can feel overwhelmed when starting a new childcare. Here are some tips for a smooth transition.
- Familiarise your child with the environment
Schedule some time for play and stay before the first day. This will allow your child to become familiar with the new environment. It also builds trust in your child, as they will see you enjoying yourself and interacting with educators. - Create a Routine
It is important to start a new routine for mornings and evenings at least one week before your child’s first day. This will help ease the transition. It will not only help prepare your child for daycare, but it also sets expectations about bedtimes and wake-up times. - Talk about your feelings and expectations
Discuss daycare with your child. Share with your child stories of other children who attended daycare and how they met new friends and learned something new. To help them feel comfortable, remind them of their names and faces.
Essentials for Daycare
It is important to ensure that your child feels prepared and comfortable by packing the essentials. Organizing yourself before the first day of school has its perks and can even be fun!
These are the must-haves for your home:
Backpack
Your child can easily transport their belongings into daycare with a fun and functional backpack. It will be easy to identify and encourage a sense of ownership if you personalize it with your child’s name.
Extra clothes
You will need to change your child’s clothes from time to time, whether it is for messy play or a fun meal. It is especially important to do this for children who are in the process of toilet training. Never overpack extra undies or pants!
It is important to pack extra clothing that suits the season. For example, in winter you should bring warm clothes such as tracksuits or jumpers and in summer cooler clothes such as shorts and shirts.
