Starting nursery is a big step for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new adventure full of learning, friendships and fun. However it is completely normal for children (and mums and dads) to feel a little anxious at first.
At Rock A Tots we understand just how important a gentle and supportive settling-in period is. Here are some tips to help make the transition as smooth and positive as possible.
#1 Talk about nursery positively
Children are very tuned in to how we feel. If you talk about nursery with excitement and positivity your child is more likely to feel confident about starting. You could chat together about the fun activities they will do, the toys they will play with and the new friends they will meet.
Reading books about starting nursery can also help children understand what to expect and open up conversations about how they are feeling.
#2 Visit together beforehand
Many nurseries (including ours) offer stay-and-play sessions where you can visit with your child before their official start date. These relaxed visits allow your child to explore the new environment with you by their side, helping it to feel more familiar and less overwhelming.
During these visits you can point out where they will eat, play and rest so they can start to build a mental picture of their new routine.
Build up gradually
Every child is different. Some settle quickly while others need a little more time.
If possible start with shorter sessions and build up slowly over a few days or weeks.
This helps children adjust gently and builds their confidence step by step.
At Rock A Tots we work closely with parents and carers to create a settling-in plan that suits each individual child.
Bring a comfort item
Having something familiar from home can be very reassuring for young children. This could be a special teddy bear, a comforter, blanket or even a small photo of family members. Knowing they have a little piece of home with them can ease separation anxiety and help them feel more secure.
Keep goodbyes short and positive
It can be tempting to linger if your child is upset but long goodbyes can sometimes make it harder for both of you. Instead give a warm hug and a cheerful goodbye, reassure them that you will be back soon and trust the nursery team to take over.
Children often settle much faster once their parents have left. Most nurseries will also be happy to send you a quick update later in the day to let you know how your child is getting on.
Trust the process
Settling in is a journey. Some children might take a few days to adjust, while others might take a few weeks. There may be ups and downs (trust us, we’ve seen it all!) — some days will go better than others — and that is perfectly normal.
Be patient with yourself and your child. Offer lots of cuddles, reassurance and praise for their bravery. Remember that starting nursery is teaching them resilience, independence and a whole new set of social skills that will benefit them for life.
How we support you
At Rock A Tots we know that a good start makes all the difference. All our team members work closely with every family to make sure the settling-in process is tailored, supportive and led by the child’s needs.
You are always welcome to talk to us about any worries or questions you have. We believe that when nursery and home work together children feel more secure, more confident and ready to shine.