Starting Daycare: Tips from Parents for Parents
The First Day of Daycare: Tiny Backpacks, Big Emotions
For many families, starting daycare marks the beginning of a new chapter in life—exciting and beautiful, but also emotionally challenging. Often, it’s only in hindsight that we realize what truly matters and which little things can make everyday life easier.
Parents who have already taken this step have shared their experiences: what they wish they had known beforehand and what tips they’d like to pass on to others.
What Many Wish They Had Known:
It’s completely normal if the separation is hard.
It’s not just children who need time to adjust to the new situation. Parents often find the goodbye more emotional than expected. Tears, uncertainty, doubts—all of it is normal. Learning to let go is often something parents must go through for the first time as well.
The first daycare winter is a challenge.
Just as children are settling in, the first wave of illnesses often hits. Many families report that the first winter, filled with frequent sickness, was especially demanding. A realistic mindset, a well-stocked medicine cabinet, and a strong support system can help get you through it.
Tips for a Successful Start to Daycare
⏳ No pressure when it comes to settling in
Every child has their own pace. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for a successful adjustment. The most important thing is to take your child’s needs seriously and pay attention to their signals.
☀️ Morning rituals create security
A consistent routine—like eating breakfast together, singing a favorite song, or saying a special goodbye phrase—helps children orient themselves. Routines bring calm and stability to the start of the day.
🫶 Offer reassurance & explain things clearly
Children need clarity. Explaining things, showing pictures, or using little role-plays can help your child better understand their new daily life. When parents present themselves as calm and confident, it strengthens the child’s sense of trust.
🧘 Show patience and empathy
The transition to daycare is rarely a straight line. Good days are often followed by tearful ones. Especially in those tough moments, it’s important to stay empathetic and support your child at their own pace.
🚪 Clear goodbyes instead of long hesitation
A consistent goodbye ritual—like a quick kiss, a wave from the window, or a cheerful “See you later!”—helps kids let go. Lingering too long can actually make separation tears worse.
Starting daycare isn’t a competition for the best routines. It’s a journey of growing together—full of small steps, setbacks, loving moments, and lots of trust. Parents are allowed to make mistakes, pause, and take a breath now and then.
With time, understanding, and patience, this transition can lay a strong foundation for independence, security, and a sense of comfort—for your child and for yourself.
And if you’re still looking for a little everyday companion that’s as genuine, sturdy, and full of heart as you are, feel free to check out our sustainable children’s backpacks. 🌿🎒
