Parenting Tips for Your 31-32 Month Old Toddler
Leaving your child in day care or preschool for the first time may be hard for both of you. Your child will face new adults, new children, new places, new things, new routines, and new limits. She is used to your comfort, help, and protection.
She may be scared about being alone and angry with you for leaving her. You may be worried that the teachers won’t care for your child the way you would, or that they may ignore or hurt her. You may worry that she will embarrass you by crying or misbehaving. These feelings are normal responses to beginning something new.
Some planning may reduce the fear of this new experience.
- You have taken the first step by carefully selecting child care that you think is right for your child. You have found child care workers that you like and can begin to trust.
- Now you should talk with your child about what is going to happen. She may not understand everything you say, but she certainly will pick up your feelings of confidence. Say, “We will go to your new school. I will help you put your coat away and sit with you for a little while. Then, you get to stay and play while I go to work. After naptime, I will come back to get you. We will come home and fix supper.”
- If possible, visit the program with your child before her first full day. Let her watch and explore with your help and protection. Talk with the teacher about your child before she begins the program. Tell the teacher about your child’s eating and sleeping schedule, allergies, and other health concerns. You will want to talk about what upsets your child and how she can be comforted.
Learn more about Your Toddler: 31-32 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
