Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Please help me in following question from my friend

My two-year-old son cries endlessly when we leave him at daycare and does not participate with the other children; should we take him back out of daycare, or just tough it out until he adjusts?

Thanks

Lorina wrote:How long has your friends toddler been in daycare for? Has there been any changes to the family?

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Lorina

2 months and there is no changes to the family.

Hi,
I feel for the family it can be so upsetting.
Recently I posted on Aussie Child Care Network about a little one I was having really really big separation anxiety problems with, and after 18years working in FDC, I'm a mother of 4 and grandmother of 9, I really didn't know what else to do but with the family working with me on everything I said we all got through it and are able to enjoy this beautiful little boy.
It has to be a complete team effort with everyone involved. In a centre I don't know how that would work because you have a lot of educators. Get the family to have a meeting and discuss a plan of action for everyone and make sure everyone sticks to it. I get families to come for a few play visits, if we think the child might not settle we have lots of play visits before they start. Maybe they can pop in on days not booked into care and just play? Maybe the child is not suited to a large centre setting, maybe a smaller group in Family Day Care might suit this child more, a lot of families come to FDC because their child doesn't quite cope in the larger settings? Its something to think about.
I personally don't believe its a good thing to just wait and they will adjust eventually, I don't want a child dreading to come and being so upset its awful for them and the parents. It can work out but it takes a lot of work and commitment from all parties.
Linsaa fdc

Lorina wrote:Sometimes a toddler may take some time to settle down in care... It depends on the child's separation anxiety and how they can manage it. It seems like your friends toddler is having difficulties with it... The educators should be able to support the child to manage their emotions... Re-directing them with things to do, offering emotional support... Also one primary educator should be used as priority contact for this child. So, each time they come to care they are handed over to the same educator until they familiarise themselves with all the educators... It may take some time but the toddler will adjust to it...They always do!

This may also help:

Separation Anxiety In Childcare

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Lorina

Yes agree with the point of emotional effort and I found it worked. Hope all time it will work. Thanks