Saying goodbye for the day

Hello, Parents/families!

Right now we're going to discuss saying goodbye to your little ones for the day. I know that a lot of parents/family members are quite busy and are often running late for work, for whatever reason, and so most parents just drop their children off and go without a thought for the child's feelings. If the child is distressed, some parents just roll their eyes and plead the carers to take the child off of them. They're so clingy, right?

What most parents/family members don't realise is that this is one of the most important part of the child's daily routine. Instead of just saying, "Bye, Ollie!" try saying, "Mummy's got to go to work now, okay, Ollie? Have a great day! I will be back once you've finished afternoon tea time, okay? I love you, Ollie!" This reassures the child that you are in fact coming back, and it also gives your child a time frame for your return.

In an ideal world, you'd drop your child off at least 15 minutes before you need to rush off to work, which means you can stay and change your child's first nappy for the day (there are instances when they will need a nappy change) or take them to the toilet, read them a book, play a game with them and just socialise with them, making sure they settle in. Of course, you still need to make it clear that you will only be able to play with them for fifteen or so minutes before you need to leave, and tell this to the child's carer. Once it is time to go, calmly tell them that you will be back (if not you, tell them who will), and at what time. Children need to know what to expect and feel like they're in control, and giving them a time frame will do both things. 

When it is time to leave, suggest that they watch you leave from the window, either by themselves or with a carer. I know this seems sad ("Where's Mummy going? She's leaving me!") but it's really not; it gives them some security, because if they physically see you leave the grounds, it means that you've actually gone to work and not just hiding around in the centre. Before you hop into your car, or go beyond their view, turn around and wave to them, even blowing them a kiss. Don't worry if your child seems distressed at first, as they will settle and enjoy the rest of their day. It's normal to feel guilty about leaving them, and the guilt is worse when you see your child crying hysterically, but there's no need to dwell on it. If you're feeling extra worried, ask if you can give them a call in 15 to 30 minutes to see how they're doing, and most centres will be understanding and know what you're going through (most carers are parents themselves), so they'll not only be all too happy to oblige, but they'll encourage it. Of course, if you call too often, they will question whether or not you're really ready for them to be in child care. It's a good question to ask yourselves, but I've already mentioned that in another post, so I won't repeat myself.

When coming back to the centre, most children will want to stay and play, so why not sit back and have a cuppa while your child plays, or even play with them, allowing them to show you what they've done? Children are proud of what they've achieved, and it's important to encourage them.

Of course, not all parents/families have the luxury of staying back to allow your child to continue playing, but what you can do is go and say hello and then tell them that they can finish up playing while you're signing them out, collecting their bags and speaking to their carers. This way you're announcing your arrival and giving them a nice, gentle transition from child care to home, and they don't have to say an immediate goodbye to their friends who are still there.

If you haven't had time to ask them about their day at the centre, why not ask them in the car? It's a perfect opportunity! Once you get home, the child can show you any projects that they've happened to bring home. It's a good idea that you have an activity board for each child, showcasing their brilliant artwork and skills, and it encourages them to continue and to improve. Once their boards fill up, put their artwork into folders to keep for when they grow up. You can look pack on past projects and see how they've improved. They can also reminisce on their childhood when they get older, and maybe show it to their own children.

Well, that's how to say goodbye to your children for the day.

This is an example of saying goodbye and what to do afterwards:

YouTube | WA Career Centre: Child Care Worker, try it for 5

Have fun!

Tokana