Parents feel torn when they leave their child crying at a child care center.

Child says mommy don’t go. I don’t want to go home.

Here’s some strategies that might help through the transition

Children will periodically experience developmental peaks of  anxiety being left even in a familiar setting.

The degree can vary depending on your child’s personality and experiences.

Your child could walk in one day and be totally happy and enthusiastic for there day and another day they could be crying and clinging to you. This is totally normal.

Maybe bring an item from home that your child likes for comfort, draw a heart on your child’s hand, a picture of their family. Take a picture of your child’s setting they are going to.

Talk at home all the positive things your child will like or likes to do while being away from home. Practice leaving and coming back at home.

 Say your goodbyes to your child even if your child is crying.

Once you have said your goodbyes, please leave promptly. The caregiver will do what they can to help your child through this transition. It may last for months of for days.

Don’t sneak out this will create more anxiety and wary for when or if you will be returning for your child. Remind your child they will have a good time and you will see them at the end of day. Hugs or high fives, kisses might be needed.

Some children will cry when it’s time for them to leave as they had a great time playing with friends and doing all the activities presented to them that day they don’t want to go home.

Again this is normal.

We will just remind your child they will be back to play again in so many sleeps.

Talk and work with your child care provider. Give your child tools to use rather than pulling your child from the center or activity they are in. In the long run this may not help your child learn how to cope in situations or teach them to be afraid of new situations.