Daycare, nanny… how to make separation between parents and children easier as the school year approaches ?

Crèche, nounou… A la rentrée, comment faciliter la séparation parents-enfants ?

La fin des vacances sonne le retour à la routine pour de nombreuses familles. Pour beaucoup de parents, la perspective de confier leur enfant à une nounou ou à la crèche peut être source d'appréhension. Voici quelques conseils pour adoucir cette transition.

Contrary to what you might think, acting as if nothing happened is not the best approach. Experts recommend preparing your child for the separation a few days before the return. Even if your child is still too young to understand all the nuances of language, talking to them about their arrival or return to the childminder or daycare can reassure them. Explain to him that he will make friends or that he will find familiar faces and an environment that he already knows.

A gradual separation

This new world requires a gentle approach, a time of adaptation. This time, in daycare or at the childminder's, is a crucial period for the gradual welcoming of the child, allowing a climate of trust to be created between the child, the parents and the early childhood professionals.

This phase, generally spread over one to two weeks, aims to facilitate the separation and familiarize the child with his new environment. The parents are present for the first few days, the child only stays a few hours. Then the time spent without the parents gradually increases.

An approach that allows the child to feel safe, to recognize his new sensory environment, and to adapt to his rhythm. An important point, despite your own apprehensions, it is crucial to show a confident attitude. Reassure your child by simply explaining the course of the day: “I'm going to work, you're going to play, eat, sleep, and I'll come back to get you”.

Make the return home easier

If your schedule allows, pay more special attention to your child at the end of the day. Turn off your cell phone, take a detour to a park or a ride. Once home, prioritize playtime over household chores.

The goal is to maintain, as much as possible, some of the pleasant habits acquired during the holidays. This continuity can help your child better manage the transition between the holiday period and the return to routine.