Top 5 Tips For Navigating Daycare Transition: Insights from The Motherhood

A huge thank you to The Motherhood for sharing your stories and offering so much encouragement during this challenging time! As I’ve mentioned before, my son and I are in the middle of a daycare transition, and it has been more difficult than I expected. After hearing from so many of you, though, I’m starting to realize that this is something nearly all parents go through. According to our poll of The Motherhood, 67% of children are in daycare, 28% stay home with mom, and 5% are cared for by family. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one struggling during this phase, and it’s great to hear that we can support each other.

If you're facing a tough daycare transition, I want you to know that it’s completely normal (as I remind myself daily…). You’re not doing anything wrong, and this difficult phase will eventually pass. With time, patience, and a little extra support, things will improve.

Here are the top five tips shared by The Motherhood community to help make the daycare transition a little easier:

1. Send a Comfort Item

A beloved comfort item, like a stuffed animal or blanket, can help your child feel more secure when they’re away from home. Sending something familiar with them each day offers emotional reassurance and eases separation anxiety. It’s a small act that can make a big difference in helping your child adjust.

2. Be Patient and Give It Time

Daycare transitions don’t happen overnight, and it’s important to remain patient with your child (and yourself) during this process. Every child adapts at their own pace, and it’s common for children to experience separation anxiety at first (daycare transition has been astronomically different between both my children!). With consistent routines and support, your child will start feeling more comfortable over time.

3. Seek Flexibility at Work

If you can, try to arrange a flexible work schedule during the transition. Many parents find that an understanding employer can make a huge difference in managing the stress of daycare drop-offs. If flexibility isn’t possible, it may help to have an open conversation with your boss about your situation—they may be more accommodating than you expect (because a comfortable mama is a more focused employee).

4. Build a Strong Relationship with Daycare Staff

Open communication with your daycare providers is key to ensuring your child’s transition goes smoothly. Share any concerns, routines, or special needs with them so they can provide the best care and support. A strong partnership between parents and caregivers can ease your child’s adjustment and help everyone feel more confident.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

As mamas, we often forget to take care of ourselves while focusing on our child’s needs. But it’s important to take time for self-care, whether it’s leaning on a support system or simply taking a few moments to breathe. The more you nurture your own well-being, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child through the transition (your child feeds off your emotions!).

All in All

Transitions are never easy, but with these tips, the journey will feel a bit more manageable. Stay tuned for updates on how my son and I are navigating this transition, and I’d love to hear any additional tips or wisdom you have to share. We’re all in this together!