Most children will feel a wide range of emotions about their new sibling.  After all, who wouldn’t be annoyed about losing so much of their parent’s attention…or be captivated by the soft snuggling warmth of a newborn’s body?  Fortunately, there is much that parents can do to set the stage for a happy transition to becoming a two-child family.

Setting the Stage

Introduce the Idea

Long before you actually start talking about your new baby, introduce the idea that families often have several children.  As you go about your daily life, point out families that you see, particularly those with both toddlers and babies.  Promote the idea that this is a good thing!

Parents worry that they can’t communicate with pre-verbal children, but children understand much more than they speak.  Just keep talking to them, using simple language and whenever possible, speaking about things they can also see.  For example, point out a family with both a child and a baby as you talk about what families look like.

The nine months of pregnancy is a very long time for a child to wait, so if possible, don’t talk about your pregnancy until your child can actually see your body changing.  But if you can’t keep yourself from telling friends and family, make sure you tell your child too.  Even very young children “have big ears” and they will be hurt if they overhear discussions about a new baby that they know nothing about.  Keep it simple at this point, but don’t let them find out from others.

Independent Life

If you normally care for your child at home, help her develop interests and friendships outside of your home before the new baby arrives.  The reality is that with the new baby coming you won’t have the same amount of time to give her and you will also need time alone with the new baby.  Fortunately, the coming of the second baby usually coincides with a toddler’s own desire for group play and she will usually welcome an opportunity to be with other children.  She may be shy to start with, so use the early and middle months of pregnancy to introduce her to a playgroup a couple mornings a week or to form friendships with other parents of similarly-aged children who would like to exchange play visits.  A well-established “independent life” will go a long way towards making your child feel like the “big” kid in the family and give her an outlet for her energy.

Make Changes Early

Children don’t really like changes, so try to organize it so that any changes in your child’s world are not blamed on the new baby.  For example, if you need to move to a bigger apartment, either do it well before the baby arrives and avoid saying (even to other adults) that you’re doing it “because we’ll need  more room for the new baby” or wait until several months after the baby has arrived and everyone has settled in.

Similarly, changes in routine, such as expecting the child to toilet train or stop breastfeeding or moving him from his crib to a regular bed are best accomplished well before the new baby arrives.  New people are also an imposition on a child’s world, so if you are planning to hire a nanny, for instance, it would be best to bring her into your home either well before the birth or wait for several months after.

Baby Talk

Once you’ve told your child that a new baby is on the way, answer his questions as he raises them, but if he seems disinterested, let it be.  From his point of view the pregnancy will last a very long time and he probably won’t get interested until the last couple months (and perhaps not even then).

At that time you can introduce books and videos about pregnancy and birth appropriate to his age.   Bring out his baby photos and talk about how excited you were when he was on the way.  If you are planning a homebirth, or planning to have your child present at the birth of his sibling, make sure he is appropriately prepared (speak with your midwife or doctor).  For a hospital birth, take him into the lobby of the hospital at the very least, so he’ll know where you are.

If she will be staying with Grandma for a few nights during the birth, make sure you have a couple practice overnighters and that these are pleasant experiences for her.  If you are expecting to deliver your new baby at home or your child will be present at the birth, make sure there is someone she likes and trusts (other than her father) who will be specifically responsible for her.

Most young children like to be helpful so ask her to help you wash, fold and put away the baby’s clothes.  Go shopping together for a new outfit for the baby and a new outfit for her to wear on the “birth day” too.  As you make preparations, make her part of them, asking her advice about wallpaper patterns or new sheets.  After all, she is much more likely to know what the baby would like than you are!

Be realistic about what new babies are like – avoid talking them up as “a playmate” because they won’t be for quite some time.  Seek out opportunities to show your child what a newborn looks and behaves like.  Children really like to know what to expect.

Alert your child to the idea that people make a big fuss over new babies.  Show her all the pictures of Grandma holding her and aunt Jenn holding her and Cousin Justin holding her.  Point out the things that were received as gifts for her and if you saved them, all the cards you received on her birth.  Let her know that people made a big fuss about her as a baby, just like they will of the new baby.  Tell her that if this makes her feel lonely and left out, you understand.  Ask her to crawl into your lap and give you a big cuddle when she feels like that.

Birth Day

Even if it is the middle of the night, wake your child to tell him that you’re going to the hospital to have the baby.  Remind him of whatever arrangements have been made for his care and assure him that you will see him in just a couple days.

Keeping track of your child’s progress will help you see if he or she is developing normally. Remember that “normally” includes a huge range. No two children develop at the same rate. The stages described here are guidelines only, not a set of rules. If you have any concerns, talk to your public health nurse or doctor.

Birth to Three Months

Your Child’s Body

• Raises head when lying on tummy
• Eyes follow moving objects
• Strongly moves arms and legs
• Closer to three months, can roll from tummy or back, to side

Your Child’s Feelings

• Crying is main means of communicating
• Coos, chuckles, and gurgles happily when given attention
• Smiles at people who directly smile and talk to him or her

Your Child’s Mind

• Recognizes parents’ voices, right from birth
• Responds to bell or rattle
• Observes surroundings
• Watches and plays with hands
• Relies on the use of his mouth to feel and identify things

Three Months to Six Months

Your Child’s Body

• Lifts head and pulls to sitting position when hand is held
• Sits with slight support
• Actively places hand on table when seated on adult’s lap at table

Your Child’s Feelings

• (Closer to six months) Begins to relate to other people by imitating them e.g., playing “pat-a-cake” or holding out toys to others but not letting go of them

Your Child’s Mind

• Starts to recognize faces and begins to show a preference for familiar people
• If a toy is moved from sight, thinks it no longer exists

Six Months to One Year

Your Child’s Body

• Throws toys on purpose
• Can creep on belly and then crawl – either on hands and knees, hands and feet, or by scooting along on her bottom
• When he first pulls himself up to stand, he might need help getting down
• Takes first steps and walks alone sometime between eight and 18 months
• Will be able to creep up stairs, but will often need help getting down

Your Child’s Feelings

• Is thrilled to be crawling and walking
• Loves being the centre of attention
• Starts developing a sense of humour
• Loves looking at herself in the mirror
• Gets scared around strangers – cries when parents leave
• With all the exciting changes in his life, he may have trouble sleeping

Your Child’s Mind

• Babbles – might say “Mama” or “Dada”
• Starts to recognize her name when spoken
• Loves playing “peek-a-boo” – begins recognizing that when people or things disappear, they still exist and will come back
• Is learning about “in” – placing objects inside a container
• Is learning about “letting go” – dropping a spoon on the floor and watching you pick it up
• Begins seeing himself as separate from others

One Year to Eighteen Months

Your Child’s Body

• Has lots of energy – wants to explore everything!
• Can feed herself with fingers or a spoon – very hungry and eats very quickly
• Can drink from a cup
• May climb out of his crib

Your Child’s Feelings

• Gets frustrated when she cannot express herself in words
• Cries less but whines more
• Is often not sociable with other children – may hit, push or grab them
• Impatient – wants it now!
• Favourite word is “no”
• May be too self-centred to be interested in cuddling with parents
• May want a special toy or blanket with him all the time

Your Child’s Mind

• Has a short memory – may keep turning the knobs on the stereo again and again, even if you tell him not to
• May do the opposite of what you tell her to do
• Loves shutting doors, closing books, being chased and caught
• Loves playing with shapeless materials – sand, water, play dough
• Can say “bye-bye”, giving a little wave
• Those who are starting to talk can speak in short phrases like “More Cookie” or “Where Mama go?”
• Understands much more than she can say

Many health problems have been linked to sleep loss: weight gain, bad hair and skin, joint pain, low energy and inability to focus, high blood pressure, moodiness and depression and an increase in viral and bacterial infections. Studies are showing that children today are just as susceptible to the stresses of sleep deprivation as their parents and with increasingly busy lifestyles they’re showing the effects too.

How much sleep do children need?

Up to 9 months: 14 -15 hours including naps
9 months – 2 years: 13 – 13.75 hours including naps
2 – 3 years: 12 hours (11 hours at night and 1 hour nap during the day)
3 – 5 years: 11.5 hours at night
5 -8 years: 10.5 – 11 hours
8 – 11 years: 9.75 – 10.25
11 – 14 years: 9.25 – 9.5
14 -16 years: 8.5 – 9 hours
16+ years: 8.5 hours

It’s important that children (and adults) create a bedtime structure to help ensure a good night’s sleep. Try going to bed the same time every night during the week and within an hour of that time on weekends. Following a bedtime routine that is calming such as taking a bath and reading or being read to and not watching television within an hour of bedtime can help children wind down after a busy day. Using the bed just for sleeping, not doing homework or playing games can help to train the body to associate being in bed with sleeping.

Diet can also play a key role in getting a good night’s sleep. The foods themselves will not make you sleep but certain nutrients in foods can interact with your body and can help to start the sleep process or maintain it. The most commonly known nutrient is tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that cannot be created by the body but must be eaten. Tryptophan is a building block for serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of relaxation and calmness which can help with the sleep process. Tryptophan is found in most protein based foods. Some foods that boost serotonin and create calmness are: almonds, dairy products, pasta, potatoes, whole grains, and turkey.

While it’s important to finish your last meal of the day 3 or 4 hours prior to bedtime, going to bed hungry elevates levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can keep you awake. A small bedtime snack can create a calm and relaxing effect when eaten about an hour before bedtime. Some great ideas for bedtime snacks are:

• a small piece of whole wheat bread and nut or seed spread
• a bowl of oatmeal with milk and banana
• yogurt with banana and granola
• English muffin with cream cheese
• ½ cup whole wheat pasta with cottage cheese

Sleep is essential for health and with simple strategies; good, consistent sleep will help to ensure your child’s proper mind and body development.

While cinnamon hearts, cookies and cupcakes with pink icing are treats that children often enjoy around Valentine’s Day, for many sugar filled treats aren’t just for special occasions, they’re an everyday addition to their diet. In fact, North Americans on average eat 125 pounds of sugar each year. That’s 13 625 teaspoons every year! Even when we are diligent about restricting the amount of candy and treats our children eat, sugar consumption will often remain quite high.

Sugar can be found in almost all processed foods. If it’s not a whole food, then it has probably had sugar added to either enhance the taste or promote a longer shelf life. Sugar can be found in ketchup, salad dressing, canned vegetables, tomato sauce, peanut butter, lunch meat, pretzels and even some baby formulas. Not only is sugar hidden in most processed foods, the food industry is always coming up with different names for the sugar they use. To date there are at least 69 different words being used on labels for the word sugar.

This is a list of some of the more common words being used:

A child’s immune system is important in maintaining health and preventing illness. Their bodies are being challenged and responding to potential viruses and bacteria every day. Unfortunately, their immune system function can be extremely impeded by eating sugar. Our white blood cells are responsible for helping to fight infections and even one teaspoon of sugar can paralyze some of these cells for up to six hours, leaving the body vulnerable to attack from viruses, bacteria and parasites. When children (and adults) are eating sugar with nearly every meal, their immune systems are constantly operating at a lowered level.

The benefits of reducing sugar from the diet are enormous; a stronger immune system, fewer mood swings and behavioural problems and a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes. Completely removing sugar from a child’s diet is not realistic but being aware of where sugar may be hidden in all foods can help you can make better, healthier choices for your whole family.

The beginning of a new year is not only a time to reflect on the past twelve months but also a time to contemplate changes that we would like to make in the upcoming year.  With a rekindled sense of purpose that often accompanies a new year, lifestyle changes such as improving a diet and beginning an exercise program often top the list of resolutions.   Along with a nutrient rich diet, exercise is absolutely necessary for health.  The list of benefits associated with a consistent exercise program is long and the rewards are enormous.  Exercise has been shown to:

• reduce the risk of heart disease
• lower blood pressure
• reduce the risk of some cancers
• help achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• improve mood
• increase energy
• enhance sleep
• improve arthritis
• reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• reduce the risk of diabetes
• increase longevity

Even with the considerable benefits exercise offers, it remains one of the most commonly broken resolutions with people finding it difficult to maintain over time.  One common reason is that the diet portion is often overlooked or its importance underestimated.   Exercise is as important as a good diet but implementing them together is what creates optimum results.  Although expecting to experience an enhanced immune system, better moods, more energy and a better night’s sleep, many people can experience the opposite when implementing a new fitness routine.

Physical exercise without a carefully planned diet can cause fatigue along with physical and mental stress.  An exercise program can be extremely difficult to maintain without first exploring and developing a sound nutrition program.   Not only does the body use its energy stores of carbohydrates, fats and proteins during physical activity; it also uses up stores of vitamins, minerals and water.  Exercising a poorly fed body can damage muscles, increase fatigue and can even cause stress on the immune system resulting in higher than average colds and flu.

All fitness programs must first start with whole, unprocessed, nutrient rich foods.   A diet high in phytonutrients (plant nutrients), complex carbohydrates, lean protein and essential fats will allow you to recover from your workouts faster, create a strong immune system, increase your energy levels and stay motivated.  Reaching your fitness and wellness goals will not only help you to look and feel better but will ensure that you have many  more years to spend celebrating with family and friends.

Using the 80-20 rule can help to balance a child’s nutritional needs with their social needs.  Try having children eat healthily 80 percent of the time and let them indulge 20 percent of the time.  Unless a child is ill, this breakdown will still ensure health and wellness.  If a child eats wholesome foods most of the time, the nutrition they receive will allow them to have anti-nutrient foods on occasion without upsetting their body’s systems.  Healthier systems will have the strength and capacity to quickly recognize and eliminate sugary treats and chemicals.

Although they may be indulging in treats during the holidays and special occasions, ensuring that children are still getting optimal nutrients is essential.   Treats should be in addition to high nutrient foods; never replacing them.  If a child is ill, special considerations should be made to limit their intake of sugar and preservatives until they are well.  Sugar can actually lower immunity and resistance to illness by lowering white blood cell response.  So until they are well, try indulging a sweet tooth with lots of fresh fruit.

Another way to help balance out days that a child has over indulged in low nutrient foods is to add a nutritional fortifier into their day.  A product called greens+kids contains an organic mixture of over 25 fruits and vegetables.  This berry flavoured powder is a very effective way to give children the nutritional value of whole foods.  On poor diet days a double serving will help give added protection.

When entertaining at home there are many healthy sweet snacks that cannot only be a fun treat but also provide some important nutrients.

• Baked nachos or chips dipped into salsa
• Naturally sweetened yogurt
• Soy ice cream
• Dried apricot and apples
• Naturally sweetened applesauce
• Veggies and dip such as guacamole or hummus
• Healthy trail mix of raw seeds, nuts and raisins
• Fresh fruit tray
• Homemade cookies sweetened with applesauce

The importance of optimal nutrition should not be down played especially during the holidays.  However, neither should relationships and socialization that comes from being a part of celebrations with family and friends.  Encourage your child to eat a consistent diet of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and lots of water when at home and at school and feel confident knowing that a treat during the holidays will not upset their well- balanced development.

There are many influencing factors that come into play when we look at food and behaviours.   When considering the health of our children’s bodies and minds we need to take into account not only the nutrients that are necessary but also the anti-nutrients such as sugar and colouring they are consuming.

A crucial nutrient for the brain and nervous system is carbohydrates.   Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into its simplest form – glucose.  Glucose is the only fuel the brain uses and it consumes more carbohydrates than any other organ in the body.  To maximize mental performance you need to create an even supply of glucose to the brain.  However, not all carbs are created equal.  Dips in blood sugar resulting from missing meals or eating a diet centered on refined carbohydrates can result in poor attention, poor memory, irritability, crying spells and aggressive behaviour.

Refined carbs such as white bread and white rice have a similar effect as refined sugar.  Most concentrated forms of sugar are devoid of minerals and vitamins.  White sugar has had about 90 percent of its vitamins and minerals removed.  It not only suppresses the immune system, it can also create a lack of focus, contribute to low energy levels, and mood fluctuations.  When reducing sugar from the diet, withdrawal can result in symptoms of tantrums and mood swings.  Providing children with natural sweet snacks such as melon cubes and apple slices can help to eliminate these symptoms.

Additives and preservatives are in a huge number of our foods today and unfortunately most foods geared specifically towards children are filled with them.  One of the most widespread additives in children’s foods is food dyes.  In the past they were made from natural vegetable and plant compounds.  Chemists have now developed synthetic food dyes from artificial petroleum-based ingredients.  Unlike the natural dyes, synthetic colouring is cheaper and has an unlimited shelf life.  Current studies are showing that synthetic food dyes can worsen behavioural problems and may create symptoms of irritability, tantrums, aggression and antisocial behaviour.  Because of their smaller bodies and still developing systems, children are even more susceptible to these foreign chemicals.

Although eliminating additives and preservatives from a child’s diet can seem like an enormous challenge, even decreasing them can have huge benefits.  Reducing these anti-nutrients and increasing the quality of carbohydrates with a steady source of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables can help to improve their energy, focus, concentration and behaviour.

The quality of the foods we eat affects our health, growth, development, energy and vitality.  Eating not only for the pleasure of the moment but for the health-promoting benefits that the foods provide us is a key concept when creating a dietary lifestyle centred around whole foods.  Whole foods are foods that have not been processed or refined and don’t contain any added ingredients such as colourings or preservatives.  The health benefits from these foods don’t just come from a single nutrient, but from the combinations of the nutrients working together.  The closer the food we eat is to the way nature provided it, the more our bodies and minds benefit.

Whole foods contain thousands of phytonutrients that have health-promoting properties, as well as vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients like fibre and beneficial fats. The nutrients contained in whole foods are much more likely to protect us than foods that are processed and missing some of their natural parts. During processing, many of these health-promoting properties are removed.  Not only are essential nutrients removed,  additives are very often added to create foods meant to have a longer shelf life, taste good, are easy to prepare and inexpensive.  However, not only do these additive not contribute anything beneficial to your body, they use up valuable nutrients as the body works to eliminate them.  There are about 3,000 food additives approved for use in our foods and beverages and it’s estimated that the average person consumes approximately 11 pounds of these additives each year.  Children can be even more susceptible to these chemicals because of their smaller bodies and developing systems.  Some of the consequences of these chemicals can be lowered immunity, allergies, behavioural difficulties and headaches.

Within 24 months every atom within our body has been replaced by new ones created by the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.   We are constantly in the process of creating our own bodies and because of this; the benefits of eating a diet of primarily whole foods are enormous.  A diet of whole grains, legumes, seeds, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and lean protein will help to ensure your child is building a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Well, to start off, full-day kindergarten – whether it’s public or private – offers all kinds of benefits. When children spend more time learning, they build vital skills faster. They show better readiness for grade 1, and develop enhanced social and academic abilities that will serve them well throughout their school careers. In a recent article in Parents Canada magazine, Dr. Angela Valeo, assistant professor at Ryerson’s School of Early Childhood Education, had this to say about full-day learning:

“Studies show (children) have better outcomes educationally throughout their schooling. In addition to increasing their literacy and mathematical outcomes, they learn socialization skills. Social confidence is a big part of stress reduction in school.”

So how do you choose the right full-day kindergarten for your child? Should you go with your local public school, or is private education at a learning centre like Childventures a better bet? Public schools are local, convenient, and don’t require tuition. Private schools, on the other hand, offer better resources, enhanced curriculums, lower teacher/student ratios, smaller class sizes and other benefits. So what’s right for your family? Here’s a quick overview of questions to consider:

What are the educator to student ratios? At Childventures, we maintain a 1:10 teacher to student ratio in junior kindergarten, and 1:12 in senior kindergarten. Compare that with 1:20 (or more) in public schools. With a lower ratio, your child gets more one-on-one attention, and learning is more focused and personalized – a key benefit at an age where developmental and skill levels vary wildly, and can be very different for a child born in January and one born later in the year.

What are the facilities like? Chronically underfunded public schools often struggle to keep their facilities maintained and up-to-date. They simply have no capital to renovate, so young kindergarten students often end up having to go to a far away bathroom down the hall, learning in outdated classrooms, or playing in a substandard playground.

Private schools have more capital to build and maintain modern facilities. For example, Childventures state-of-the-art learning facility has up-to-date classrooms, speciality learning rooms and enviable playgrounds. We offer our students plenty of variety; on a given day, they may spend time in the art studio, music room, gym, computer lab and house centre. Children don’t interact with the same large group all day (which can be overwhelming for some), but learn in a small-group setting that offers better quality interaction. Plus, Childventures, like all licensed day care centres in Ontario, follow the Day Nurseries Act for daylighting, and outdoor and indoor space.

Is before and after school care available? Some public schools offer day care. But they often have long waiting lists, and require that children move to another part of the school with different caregivers, which can be stressful and disruptive for the child. Parents who are unable to get their children into an available after-school program – or whose children are at a school that doesn’t have day care – have the additional hassle of arranging outside care.

Private schools like Childventures treat before and after school care a little differently. Our facility is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm, and the “extra” hours before 9:00 and after 4:00 are staffed by the same teachers your child sees all day. Children don’t have multiple caregivers throughout the day; being with same people all day helps then establish deeper relationships with their educators, and mirrors their home environment. Teachers get to know your child as an individual, not just a face in the crowd.

Who makes sure they eat their lunch? Pre-schoolers aren’t known for their good eating skills. Many, if left unsupervised at lunch or snacktime, won’t eat at all, or will only eat certain items, leaving them hungry and without energy in the afternoon. Most public schools don’t have enough staff to supervise 20 busy preschoolers and ensure they eat their lunches, so children may not get enough “encouragement” to get the nutrition they need. At Childventures, our students are carefully supervised by their classroom teachers every day at lunch and snacktimes to make sure they eat enough to get them through the rest of the day.

How often will you talk to the teacher? In public schools, teachers are often too busy with the 20 students in their class to be able to chat with a parent at pickup of drop-off time. Of course, teachers are generally open to making appointments to discuss the child’s progress, but there isn’t that everyday “touching base” that can be so helpful when gauging how your child is doing.

When your child attends a learning centre like Childventures, it’s a different environment. Parents and teachers have a chance to talk every day. Smaller class sizes, more educators, and a commitment to daily contact ensure you know exactly what your little one is doing and where they need help or encouragement. You have a chance to let the teacher know if your child is tired, is going through something at home, or even has something really interesting to share with the class.

So what’s the best full-day option for your soon-to-be kindergartener? It really depends on your child and your family. Choose several schools and/or centres and visit them all with a pen and notebook in hand. Take notes, and compare them based on the criteria that are most important to you.

If you have questions about full-day kindergarten options or about Childventures, we’d love to hear from you. Comment on our blog below, or drop us a line at info@childventures.ca.

Here are a few tips for a smoother transition:

1. Take it slow.
A gradual approach works best. Helping your child feel happy and comfortable without you starts well before you leave him or her in someone else’s care. Spend some time at the day care together in the weeks leading up to the big day, and give your child some time to get used to the new environment while you are there. It’s a great opportunity for you to see firsthand how teachers and caregivers interact with the children, and also a chance to tell them everything they need to know about your child.

At Childventures, parents and children join us for a couple of morning or afternoon “playdates” in which the parents stay in the classroom while the child gets involved. Not only does this give children a sense of comfort and stability, it gives parents and teachers a chance to build a trusting relationship with each other. You can see how teachers approach education, skill building, playtime, naptime and more.  It’s also an opportunity for the teacher to get to know their newest arrival, learn about eating and sleeping schedules, and establish a careful, personalized curriculum that will work with your child’s personality and developmental level.

And if you need more than two “playdates,” that’s fine too. We encourage you to do what feels right. Our approach is about making you and your child as comfortable as possible, and partnering with you and your family for a successful experience.

2. Don’t show your stress
Present the new place and routine in a positive light, and don’t let your child pick up on any negative feelings you may have about day care, or about going back to work. If they sense your misgivings, chances are they’ll end up feeling the same way, making the transition harder on all of you.

When parents drop off their children at Childventures, we welcome them with warmth and enthusiasm, and immediately offer them something engaging to do. This way, they focus on the fun of the activity, and not on the departing parent. If your child does cry as you’re leaving, we encourage you to give them a hug and reassure them, and then leave without showing your anxiety. The teacher will take over from there, and comfort your child as you depart, and get him or her involved in an activity as quickly as possible.

3. Stick to a schedule at home
Children are reassured by routine, especially when another part of their life is in transition. A consistent bedtime and going-to-bed routine are good ways to give them the structure they need. Whether it involves a bath, reading, cuddling, a snack, or just some quiet time, it’s a wonderful way to connect with your child and give them the sense of consistency they crave. Focus on getting your child to bed early enough that he or she can easily wake up to a relatively unhurried morning, and face the day well rested.

4. Check in often
Parents sometimes experience more separation anxiety than their children. The solution? Don’t just reassure your child; reassure yourself. Check in during the day. Talk to the teacher. Observe your child at play. You’ll likely see that your son or daughter is adjusting beautifully, and having a great time with other kids.

At Childventures, we’re always open to having parents come in and talk, observe or volunteer. We also offer a secure webcam feed where you can log in any time of day and watch your child in real time. Plus, you can also be reassured in knowing that our facilities have a wide range of features to keep your child safe, including biometric hand scanners that ensure only registered families have access to the building.

When your child is prepared for day care, and you as parent are comfortable with the knowledge that your little one will by well cared for by warm, capable teachers, the transition is easier. There may still be a few tears, but rest assured that they won’t last long – and that your child will be playing and happily thriving, probably faster than you expect.

Do you have more questions about easing the transition – or about Childventures in general? We would be happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to leave a comment, or get in touch with one of our child care professionals directly.