Starting School for the First Time

Around this time last year, Jennifer Kolari gave some advice to a reader whose daughter was having a difficult time with her transition to daycare. Read her advice:

This week at Kolari’s Corner on InfoMommy, Jennifer Kolari answers a question from a reader about how to help a child adjust to her first daycare experience.

Jennifer explains that clinging and whining, or defiance and other yucky behavior, during this period of transition are a youngster’s way of expressing that she is unsure about her bond with her parents now that they are spending more time apart.  Kolari advises that it’s important to let your child know that you’ve gotten the message that this is a big deal for them.  You can do this by paying extra attention to the parent-child connection and even babying your child for a few days.  This will reassure her and give her the confidence she needs to become more independent.  When it is time to take your child to daycare, Kolari says, it’s important to send a message of competence, letting your child know that you are confident that they will be OK and making your goodbyes brief.

Click here to read Jennifer’s full answer or check out her other advice at Kolari’s Corner.

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