There comes a point in our kids’ life when they have to step into the outside world. Whether it’s a daycare centre or preschool, your child’s first social environment should be a positive one. It should stem a strong and healthy relationship with people outside so that your child can grow into an adult who can differentiate between right and wrong.
Usually, it’s a parent’s choice to let a kid go to school or a daycare centre. Your child doesn’t have a say in it as they are still small. Though it’s inevitable for every child to step into the outside world, it doesn’t always mean they enjoy it.
As a parent, you should observe the signs in your children whether they are liking the outside setting or not. While some children get along with their peers, some may struggle to blend in and grow.
Here are the signs that you should look out for when you are sending your child to a daycare centre or a preschool.
Sudden Changes in Behaviour
Every child takes time to adjust to a new environment as it’s different from home. The change should embrace your child and it should create a safe and comfortable feeling so that your kid can adjust and adapt. If not, children will exhibit a change in their behaviour which often seems negative.
Throwing heavy tantrums, excessive crying or shouting, and unusual anger are some of the signs. When you notice anything unusual in your child’s behaviour that comes suddenly after you send them to a daycare centre, then you have to take the situation more seriously.
Withdrawal from Family
Children that are happy at a daycare centre share the same feeling when they come home to you. They would want to mingle with you and maybe share their experience in an expressive way. They can radiate happiness when all’s well in the daycare centre.
On the other hand, if they are withdrawing from you and your family, not willing to participate in anything at home, not talking or being moody, then there’s something wrong that you need to look into.
Children always don’t know how to express big feelings or communicate them properly. It’s in your hands to look into their behaviour and determine if there’s something wrong with your kid’s social setup.
Crying When They Arrive at Daycare
If your kid is behaving nice and positive but is starting to cry as soon as you arrive at daycare, then it’s another warning sign. It means that they are liking the place. If your child can talk, then ask simple questions to know the child’s dislike. Otherwise, you can show up unannounced to the daycare and see what it is that’s upsetting your child.
Usually, the waterworks will be there during the starting. However, if they are still continuing even after two months, then you should know that your child is unwilling to attend the daycare centre.
Hungry and Thirsty When You Pick Them Up
Another easy sign that shows your child’s disliking is their uneaten or half-eaten lunch boxes.
Generally, children eat heartily if they are surrounded by the people they trust. If they are not eating, it means the people or the place are making them uncomfortable, which may reduce their appetite.
And when you go pick them up after daycare time, they will suddenly feel hungry and thirsty. If they are not eating at all at the daycare continuously for a considerable number of days, then something’s wrong that you should look into. It also shows that the daycare centre is showing negligence towards your child’s eating schedule and are failing to provide food and drink to your child.
Trouble Controlling Social Impulses
You cannot rule out the possibility of abuse if your child is not able to control impulses in social situations. Abuse will physically, mentally, and emotionally damage the children and they will become disobedient, defiant, and argumentative. Children who are neglected or abused will also fail to show remorse, guilt, and regret when they behave badly.
If your child is suddenly showing strange and aggressive behaviour, then take the matter seriously and find out the reason behind it.
Transitioning from home to daycare is a big change for your child. Always be gentle and show lots of love and attention. Your child needs it, especially when they are separated from you for a long time.
Also, if you want your child in a safe environment, do thorough research in finding the best childcare centres in your area. Make sure the people who take care of your child have the best interests in their hearts and are genuine.
