Surviving Your Child's First Week of Daycare 2026

The first week of daycare is challenging for everyone. Knowing what to expect and having a plan makes this transition smoother for you and your child.

Before the First Day

The Night Before

Prepare by:

• Packing everything needed
• Laying out clothes
• Early bedtime
• Preparing easy breakfast
• Managing your emotions

Morning Preparation

Set up for success:

• Allow extra time
• Stay calm
• Positive attitude
• Simple breakfast
• Review routine

What to Bring

Essential items:

• Completed paperwork
• Extra clothes
• Diapers if needed
• Formula/breastmilk if applicable
• Comfort item

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Day by Day

Day One

Expect:

• Tears (yours and theirs)
• Quick goodbye best
• Teacher will take over
• Call to check in okay
• Pickup may be emotional

Day Two

May bring:

• Possible regression
• Harder or easier than day one
• Varies by child
• Continue consistent approach
• Brief goodbyes still

Day Three

Often:

• Some settling
• Routine beginning
• Still adjusting
• May have harder day
• Progress isn't linear

Day Four

Typically:

• More familiar
• Some comfort
• Routine developing
• Relationships building
• Continued adjustment

Day Five

End of week:

• First week milestone
• Celebrate accomplishment
• Rest on weekend
• Prepare for week two
• Progress made

Emotional Preparation

For Your Child

Help them by:

• Talking positively
• Reading books about daycare
• Visiting beforehand if possible
• Keeping routine
• Providing comfort items

For Yourself

Prepare emotionally:

• Acknowledge your feelings
• Connect with other parents
• Trust the process
• Have support
• Be gentle with yourself

It's Normal to Feel

Parents often feel:

• Guilt
• Sadness
• Worry
• Relief (and guilt about relief)
• Mixed emotions

Drop-Off Strategies

Keep It Brief

Best approach:

• Quick goodbye
• Confident manner
• Consistent routine
• Don't sneak away
• Trust teachers

Goodbye Ritual

Create:

• Simple routine
• Same every day
• One hug, one kiss
• Special words
• Confident walk away

After You Leave

Know that:

• Most children stop crying quickly
• Teachers will engage them
• They'll be okay
• You can call to check
• Trust the process

Pickup Strategies

End of Day

Expect:

• Possibly emotional child
• Relief to see you
• May act out after
• Tired and hungry
• Need connection time

Post-Daycare

Plan for:

• Quiet time together
• Simple dinner
• Early bedtime
• Extra cuddles
• Processing time

Common First Week Challenges

Tears at Drop-Off

Handle by:

• Brief goodbye
• Not lingering
• Trusting teachers
• Consistent routine
• Confidence projecting

Sleep Disruption

Address through:

• Earlier bedtime
• Extra rest
• Patience
• Consistent routine
• Understanding exhaustion

Behavior Changes

Normal to see:

• Clinginess at home
• More emotional
• Regression
• Tiredness
• Adjustment reactions

Illness

Be prepared:

• First exposure to germs
• May get sick first month
• Have backup care ready
• Stay home policies
• Build immunity

Tips for Success

Stay Positive

Children sense:

• Your confidence
• Your anxiety
• Your attitude
• Your trust level
• Your emotions

Communicate with Teachers

Ask:

• How was the day?
• Any concerns?
• What worked?
• What should we know?
• Progress updates

Trust the Process

Remember:

• Adjustment takes time
• Each day gets easier
• Teachers have experience
• Your child will adapt
• It will get better

Take Care of Yourself

During this time:

• Get support
• Rest when possible
• Be gentle with yourself
• Accept help
• Process your feelings

Signs Things Are Going Well

Positive Indicators

Look for:

• Decreasing tears
• Increasing comfort
• Talking about teachers/friends
• Engaging at daycare
• Settling into routine

Don't Worry About

Normal things:

• Some hard days
• Tears sometimes
• Tiredness
• Regression
• Ups and downs

When to Be Concerned

Red Flags

Contact program if:

• No improvement after weeks
• Extreme distress continues
• Behavior significantly changes
• Child seems afraid
• Something feels wrong

Getting Support

Resources:

• Program director
• Pediatrician
• Child development specialist
• Other parents
• Support groups

Weekend After First Week

Rest and Recover

Plan for:

• Low-key weekend
• Extra family time
• Routine maintenance
• Rest and recovery
• Connection focus

Prepare for Week Two

Get ready:

• Restock supplies
• Prepare clothes
• Maintain routine
• Positive mindset
• Continue strategies

Key Takeaways

First week is hard:

• For children
• For parents
• Emotions are normal
• It gets better
• Trust the process

Strategies that help:

• Brief goodbyes
• Consistent routine
• Positive attitude
• Communication
• Self-care

What to expect:

• Tears
• Adjustment
• Progress not linear
• Ups and downs
• Eventual settling

After first week:

• Rest and recover
• Continue routine
• Stay patient
• Communicate
• Celebrate progress

Remember:

• You're doing great
• Your child will adapt
• This is temporary
• It gets easier
• Trust yourself

The first week is just the beginning. With patience and consistency, both you and your child will adjust to this new normal.

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