If your child cries when dropped off at daycare, you’re not alone. Your child may be crying for a number of reasons, and this is quite common for young children. When you understand the common causes of this type of crying, you can get to the root of the problem and help your child through the transition to daycare.
Common Causes of Crying
There are a variety of factors that can cause a child to cry when being dropped off at daycare. Consider the following causes to see if your child may be experiencing any of these potential triggers.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can happen when children are separated or believe they’re about to be separated from a parent or family member they’re attached to. Many children have some level of separation anxiety when they’re young, particularly around preschool age.
Family Stress
Even when children are young, they can still sense when there’s stress or tension in their family. Major life events such as moving to a city, getting divorced, or new additions to the family can interrupt a child’s sense of normalcy. As they adjust, these external stressors can transfer to their daycare setting.
Sensory Overload
Sometimes, daycare can be overwhelming for children. The noise, the colors, the other kids playing and talking, and the new environment can be a lot for children to take in. Additionally, children tend to be much more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises than adults.
If you’re wondering how to stop a child from crying at preschool, try these strategies to help address the root of the problem.
Strategies for Tackling the Problem
By taking action when you notice your child crying when dropped off at daycare, you can tackle the problem and help your child learn to enjoy going to daycare.
Visit the Daycare
It’s important to visit your child’s daycare to ensure it offers a safe, nurturing environment. Cadence Education offers a fun-filled educational experience for children, allowing them to thrive in a nurturing environment. Parents and guardians can stop by for a visit anytime.
Walk Them Through The Day
Telling your child what to expect at daycare can help them mentally prepare and get excited for the day. Mention any other children or staff that they know, and let them know that you’ll be back to pick them up before they know it.
Pack a Comfort Toy
Let your child bring one or two of their favorite toys with them to daycare. This gives them a piece of home while they’re at daycare and creates a sense of familiarity in the new environment. Let them know that you want both of them (your child and their toy) to have an awesome day.
Remain Calm and Patient
Always be patient with your child and remain calm in their moments of stress. Give them space and time to adjust. Children can sense stress from their parents. So, remain calm when your child is crying and reassure them that everything will be just fine.
Tips for Coping with a Distressed Child
It’s completely normal to feel guilty leaving your child crying at daycare. In those moments, be kind to yourself and remember that your child’s crying is a normal part of their development process.
Remember It’s Only Temporary
Your child won’t always cry when dropped off at daycare. Some children have a tougher time adjusting, but it does get better with time. Encourage them often. Let them know how proud you are of them. The more you affirm and encourage them, the better they’ll adjust to their new normal.
Focus on the Positives
Seeing your child cry may cause you to doubt your decision to take your child to daycare. In these moments, it’s important to remember why you made this decision. Daycare offers a plethora of benefits for both you and your child. It promotes independence and furthers your child’s social and emotional development. Remember that your child will eventually adjust.
Pat Yourself on the Back
Parenting isn’t easy. But you’re doing a great job. Remember that you’re doing the best you can to help your child transition into daycare. When you feel torn, remind yourself of all of the decisions you’ve made to give your child a happy, healthy life. They don’t go unnoticed, and your child will be all the better for it.
Enroll Your Child in Daycare With Cadence Education
As a parent, you have so many options for daycares and preschools. If you’re wondering how to stop a child from crying at preschool, Cadence Education can help. Our daycares and preschools are dedicated to nurturing, equipping, and caring for your child. At Cadence Education, your child will have fun-filled days and you will always be in the loop. Find a Cadence Education school near you today.