Parenting expert Judy Reith has some reassuring advice that should make that first week at nursery a little easier.
Facing leaving your little one with a child minder or at nursery for the very first time can seem like a big step. We asked parenting coach Judy Reith about ways to prepare your child and reassure them — and yourself.
“Preparation is everything, so depending on the age of the child it's about explaining things in manageable chunks,” says Judy.
“Your own attitude is absolutely crucial, as anxious parent equals anxious child, so keeping yourself calm and lighthearted about it is really important.”
Ease your worries
“Whatever it is that you feel about it, this is something that you need to go and sort out beyond the earshot of your child. If you are passing on your own anxieties then that will be magnified —tiny people can still pick up on these things. Sort out your own state of mind first and then you will be the kind of parent that you need to be for your child. I've got lots of friends I can talk to about it, and that always helps. Go and deal with your own anxieties, should you have them.
Prepare for a new routine
“And make sure you talk to the nursery or child minder about exactly what your child's day will involve, so that you can prepare them and yourself. It is a sad day, but it's also a mark of achievement at how brilliant it is that you've got your child off to nursery and onto that stage of their lives.”
For more advice from Judy, visit her website online.
