subject: How Does A Daycare Center Combat Homesickness Or Detachment? [print this page] One thing that we have to deal with at a daycare center is homesickness. Most of us have felt homesick at some point in our lives. Whether it was when we were traveling for business, on a long vacation or away to school. During these times, we can find comfort in friends and family and are responsible enough to find ways to deal with it. However, when you are a child, especially a younger child, homesickness can be a huge problem.
What Is Homesickness?
The definition of homesickness as provided by Dictionary.com is "sad or depressed from a longing for home or family while away from them for a long time." For children it is usually more a longing for their parents than their home. Homesickness is usually worse when a child first starts attending a daycare center, but can be present at any time depending on the child's mood.
What Is It Really?
As a daycare director, I have had to deal with homesickness many times. I do not actually look at it as homesickness; I look at it more as a detachment problem. Children do not want to be away from their parents. Usually there is one parent in particular that they are attached to and do not want to be away from. Sometimes children will start crying before their parent leaves them in the morning and other times they will start missing them midway through the day.
How To Combat It?
Any time we have encounter detachment problems in our daycare center we have a simple process to help the child get through it. The first thing we do is acknowledge their need. We then talk to the child and/or cuddle them depending on what age they are. If they insist on being with their mother or father, we will call the mother and father and allow a quick conversation. By allowing them to talk to their parents, they will usually calm down quicker.
Where Do Parents Come In?
As a daycare director, I think that it is essential to have parent involvement. When it comes to detachment problems, the parent is extremely important. As mentioned above, the parent will come in if we need to get them on the phone. The biggest role the parent can play occurs when they drop their child off. If a parent knows that their child has detachment problems, they should try to understand that the longer they take in the goodbye process, the longer it takes the child to recover once they leave. Give hugs and kisses, say goodbye and let them know you will be back to get them later, and then let your caregiver take over. Try not to stay their talking to them too long; this often leads to an increase in the child's crying. The best thing you can do is to be supportive, but let the child know that you have to go and that you will be back. Call your child's caregiver in a short time and check on your child, this will help you as a parent to feel informed and will decrease any anxiety you might be feeling.
Parents Have Problems Too
Leaving your child at a daycare center can be an emotional experience for parents. Just as your child has a detachment problem, many parents do too. Parents do not need to worry. As a daycare director, I encourage parents to check in with the center as much as they need. As I said before the parent is the most important part of any daycare center.
If you are having detachment problems, talk to your daycare director today. They will have some different ideas on how to help you and child get use to your new situation.
