Roundhouse Children’s Centre offers tips on transitions and minimising anxiety

While many babies and children handle transitions such as changing rooms or starting at a new early learning service with ease, for some the experience can be a stressful one, leaving them needing more support to settle into a routine and to separate from their primary carer.

This is particularly true for babies aged between one to two years of age, when separation anxiety is at its peak. 

Emma Davies, Director of The Roundhouse Children’s Centre in Fairlight, New South Wales, recently shared some ‘top tips’ to support children to manage transitions more easily, chief of which is to remember that separation anxiety is a normal part of emotional development for children.

Her advice to parents and families is “each child is unique and has their own timeline on how long it will take for them to settle into a new environment with new faces. Be patient, consistent and be kind to yourself – you are doing a wonderful job.”

Other tips include: 

1. The most important point, and probably the most difficult, is to try not to be stressed or worried. Babies and children are tuned into how their adults are feeling. Try to be enthusiastic and happy and your child will generally feed off this energy. If your baby or child cries, try not to be upset in front of your child as this will tell them that there is something to be upset about.
2. Spend time with your child at the centre before their first day. This is a great time for you both to get to know your educators and get an insight into the day-to-day routines.
3. At drop off, ask your child to help you with a routine such as putting their hat in the basket, applying sunscreen or placing their drink bottle on the table. 
4. Spend a few minutes engaging with your child in a favourite activity, be it reading a story or building with blocks.
5. Create a quick goodbye ritual, then leave straight away. Dragging out the process can often make your child more upset. It may be tempting to leave quietly if they are playing happily, but it’s important to say goodbye even if it causes tears.  
6. Tell your child when you will be back in a way they’ll understand, such as after afternoon tea. This helps to build trust by letting them know when they can expect to see you again.
7. Pack their security items like dummies, teddies or blankets. Have a chat with the educators to discuss bringing in a family photo to put up in the room.

Ms Davies works with The Roundhouse Children’s Centre, one of seven services operated by the Northern Beaches Council. 

Learn more about The Roundhouse here.