Returning To Work After Divorce: 3 Ways To Help Your Child Transition To Daycare
The first several years of your child's life were like a dream come true, and you have enjoyed spending time at home nurturing their development. Unfortunately, the best laid plans sometimes fall apart, and you now find yourself preparing to return to work after your divorce. While this transition represents a double whammy for your child, it is possible to help them adjust to both your divorce and a new daycare by using these strategies.
Do The Prep Work
When you first talked to your child about your divorce, you likely included some discussions regarding how their life might change. Help your child understand what going to their daycare program will be like by reading books tailored to their age group that describe a child's first day. If possible, take your child to their new classroom on a day when you can stay with them for an hour or two so that they can meet their teachers and new friends. Often, even the most apprehensive children relax once they are able to explore their new environment.
Maintain Consistency
Divorce has a tendency to rock a child's schedule, and this leads to increased stress along with more negative emotional reactions. Try to make sure your child goes to daycare at the same time each day, and strive to keep pickup times fairly consistent. Even if your child cannot tell time, they tend to notice things such as if you did not pick them up right after nap as usual. It is also important to work with your ex-spouse if they will be participating in the pick up or drop off times. Talk to them about maintaining a similar routine, and let them know that at least the first few weeks are easier if they stick to the same schedule.
Talk to the Teacher
Consider your child's teacher to be a partner in your plan to ease the transition. While you don't have to go into all of the details, letting them know that your child is still adjusting to a divorce on top of starting a new child care program helps them find ways to ease the transition as well. For example, they may provide ideas for how to ease separation anxiety during morning pick up times, or they could alert you to changes in your child's behavior that signify they are struggling with the divorce.
While you can't always control what happens in life, you can take charge of your child's ability to adjust during the tumultuous times of a divorce. By remaining sensitive to the needs of your child as they adjust to both big changes, you can ensure that they will come out just fine while feeling supported by both parents and their new teachers.
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