Easing the Stress of Drop-Off
Mornings are hard. Add in tears, clingy hugs, and woeful “can’t I go to work with yooooou”’s and the morning suddenly went from hard to, well, harder. Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of daycare and preschool drop off is tough and if you’re in the throngs of a really difficult season in that regard, you are not alone. The good news? There are ways to help make drop-offs smoother and even enjoyable for the both of you!
Whether you’re sending your child off to a trusted daycare center or preschool or to a beloved babysitter, these tips—backed by experts—can help both of you start your day with a smile.
1. Establish a Predictable Morning Routine
Young children thrive on routine. Research supports this! A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that predictable routines in early childhood help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Knowing what to expect gives little one’s a sense of security. Keeping a consistent morning routine can be as simple as a regular wake up time, breakfast routine and departure schedule. Start small and add on as needed! A calm and predictable rhythm reduces the morning chaos that can contribute to anxiety during drop-off.
Pro tip: have a picture-based schedule available for your preschooler so that they know what to expect (and maybe even help move things along!).
We would love to be part of your morning routine here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center! We open at 6:00 am and are bright eyed and bushy tailed—ready to welcome you’re little one in!
2. Practice Separation in Low-Stress Situations
Before starting preschool, give your child opportunities to separate from you in less stressful environments—like staying with a grandparent or babysitter for a short time. This will build your child’s confidence in their ability to be without you for a short while and also reinforce the expectation that you will come back! The show “Daniel Tigers Neighborhood” has an excellent episode with a story that reinforces this, as well as a short and sweet song “Grownups Come Back.” You can also practice in pretend play first with stuffed animals, dolls, etc!
3. Keep Goodbyes Short and Positive
Lingering during drop-off can unintentionally increase your child’s anxiety. Instead, try starting a good-bye ritual: a warm hug, a confident goodbye, and a cheerful reminder that you’ll see them later. Reassure them you’re coming back—and then go. Drawing it out sends mixed signals. Repeating this ritual with consistency when you leave will help your child understand the transition and can help them feel more secure in your leaving.
According to Zero to Three, a leading early childhood organization “Children take cues from their caregivers. If you are calm and confident, your child is more likely to be as well.”
Let us know how we can help with your goodbye routine! Our teachers here at CCLC would love to help!
4. Build a Relationship with the Teachers
Kids pick up on your feelings. When they see you trust and like their caregivers, they’re more likely to feel safe and settled. Spend a few minutes chatting with teachers during pick-up or drop-off (when appropriate) and encourage your child to bond with them too.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) encourages strong parent-teacher relationships. We agree here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center! We want to come alongside your family and support the growth and development of your little one—making them feel comfortable, safe, and cherished. If you’re child is older, Schedule a tour and bring them along! Let’s get them excited and help reduce any uncertainty they may have about starting a new childcare!
5. Validate Their Feelings
Talking through feelings can be incredibly important. Let your child know it’s okay to feel sad or anxious—acknowledge their emotions instead of brushing them off. Say things like, “I know it’s hard to say goodbye,” or “You’re feeling sad, and that’s okay. I’ll be back soon.” This validates their experience while reinforcing your return. Spend time reading books about school and feelings of leaving and give your child the opportunity to respond with any anxieties they might have. Sometimes simply feeling heard can make all the difference.
Feelings are a huge part of early childhood development. Reach out and let’s chat about how we handle big feelings and emotional development here at CCLC.
6. Be Consistent
Consistency is key in early childhood education. As your child has more and more successful drop-offs, they will only grow in confidence! Skipping days or changing caregivers frequently can disrupt this progress, so try for consistency as best you can. According to Child Mind Institute, most children adjust within 2-3 weeks of starting preschool—and consistency speeds up the process. So, take heart, while it may feel like the end of difficult drop-offs will never come, that day may simply be around the corner!
Wrapping Up: You’ve Got This!
No doubt that drop-offs can be tough—but, they are also opportunities to strengthen your child’s resilience, confidence, and independence. With a little preparation, a lot of consistency and probably an extra cup of coffee or two, your tearful mornings can transform into sweet goodbyes and excitement for the day ahead.
Remember: building trust and security between you, your child, and their caregivers will ease the transition that morning drop-off brings. When things are difficult, take a deep breath, trust the process and give you and your child a heaping dollop of grace. You’re doing a great job!
We are always excited to see you and your little one here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center and would love to help make drop-offs easier. Let us know how we can help! Schedule a tour, today!