How to facilitate the separation of parents and children?
Contrary to what you might think, acting as if nothing had happened is not the best approach. Experts recommend preparing the child for the separation a few days before the resumption.
Even if the child is still too young to understand all the nuances of language, talking to him about his arrival or return to the childminder or daycare can reassure him. 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 moment, in the nursery or at the nanny’s, is a crucial period for the gradual reception of the child, allowing to create a climate of trust between the child, the parents and the early childhood professionals.
This phase, usually spread over one to two weeks, aims to facilitate the separation and to 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 their new sensory environment, and to adapt at their own pace.
An important point, despite your own apprehensions, it is crucial to show a confident attitude. Reassure your child by simply explaining how the day will unfold: “I’m going to work, you’re going to play, eat, sleep, and I’ll come back for you.”
Making it easier to return home
If your schedule allows, at the end of the day, pay more attention to your child. 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.
