Preparing for Nursery: A Parent’s Guide
Tips on Settling In and Easing Separation Anxiety
Starting nursery is an exciting milestone for your little one, but it can also feel like a big step – for both of you! At Pendley Day Nursery, we understand that transitioning to nursery life can bring a mix of emotions. Some children take to it like ducks to water, while others need a little more reassurance. And let’s be honest, saying goodbye can be just as tough for parents as it is for children!
Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Talk About Nursery in a Positive Way
Children pick up on our emotions, so staying upbeat and positive about nursery is key. Talk about all the fun activities they’ll be doing, the new friends they’ll make, and how lovely the teachers are. Reading books about starting nursery can also help familiarise them with the idea in an engaging way. Some great options include Lucy & Tom Go to Schoolby Shirley Hughes or I Love You All Day Longby Francesca Rusackas.
2. Visit the Nursery Together
Before their first day, arrange to visit the nursery with your child. Let them explore the space, meet the staff, and get a feel for their new environment. This can help turn the unknown into something familiar and exciting.
Most nurseries, including Pendley Day Nursery, offer settling-in sessions before your child starts. These visits allow your little one to become familiar with the environment, meet the team and other children, and start building confidence before their first session.
3. Practise Short Separations
If your child hasn’t spent much time away from you, try arranging short separations with a trusted family member or friend. Start with just 30 minutes to an hour and gradually extend the time. This helps build their confidence that you will always return.
4. Create a Simple and Reassuring Goodbye Routine
A quick hug, a kiss, and a cheerful “See you later!” is often the best approach. Lingering goodbyes can make it harder for your child to settle. If they do get upset, rest assured that most little ones calm down soon after you leave. At Pendley Day Nursery, our experienced team is always on hand to comfort and distract them with fun activities.
5. Bring a Comfort Item
A familiar item from home – a cuddly toy, a small blanket, or even a parent’s scarf – can be a great source of comfort during the early days. Just check with the nursery staff to ensure it's suitable to bring along.
6. Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet
It’s natural to want to hang around to make sure your child is okay, but long goodbyes can actually make separation anxiety worse. Trust the nursery team to take over and keep your little one busy with engaging activities.
7. Stick to a Consistent Routine
Children thrive on routine, so keeping to a predictable morning schedule can help ease nerves. Ensure they get plenty of rest the night before, have a healthy breakfast, and allow plenty of time to get ready without rushing.
8. Stay in Touch (But Not Too Much!)
If you’re feeling anxious, remember that you can always check in with the nursery staff. At Pendley Day Nursery, we’ll let you know how your child is settling in and will keep you updated with their progress. We always encourage the parents to phone us if they are ever worried about their child or if they are new parents.
Some nurseries also use online learning journals or apps so you can see what your little one has been up to. However, at Pendley, we do not use any form of online communication or paper-based handovers, they are all done verbally as this is considered to be best practice.
9. Be Patient – It’s a Big Change!
Some children settle in straight away, while others take a little longer – and that’s perfectly okay. Separation anxiety tends to peak between 8 months and 18 months, but it can appear at any time. Be patient and trust that with the right support, your child will soon be happy and thriving at nursery.
10. Celebrate Their Progress
After a few weeks, you’ll likely notice a big difference in your child’s confidence and enthusiasm. Celebrate their achievements – whether it’s making a new friend, joining in with group activities, or simply having a tear-free drop-off!
We’re Here to Help
At Pendley Day Nursery, we’re here to support both children and parents through this transition. Our nurturing environment, friendly team, and engaging activities help children feel secure and happy, making nursery a positive experience for all. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to us – we’re always happy to help!
Starting nursery is a big step, but with the right preparation and support, it can be a wonderful experience. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to the Pendley Day Nursery family!
For more advice and support, our team at Pendley Day Nursery is always here to help! Please call us on: 01442 967140 or drop us an email to: info@pendleydaynursery.com. You’ll also find us on Facebook.
