How to Help Your Toddler Adjust to Childcare: 5 Key Strategies for a Smooth Transition
For many entrepreneurial parents, balancing business growth with family life is already a high-wire act. Adding childcare transitions into the mix can feel like another major challenge—one that doesn’t always go as smoothly as expected.
Many parents assume their one- and two-year-olds will adjust quickly, only to find the process takes far longer than anticipated.
In a recent poll I conducted, over half of the respondents said their toddler took more than a month to settle into childcare, with 17% saying it took more than six months!
Of course, every child is different. Some adjust quickly, while others take longer. There’s no universal timeline, as multiple factors influence the transition: your child’s temperament, the childcare provider’s approach, and the environment itself (noise levels, activities, access to the outdoors, etc.). Whenever possible, selecting a provider that aligns with your child’s personality can make a world of difference. (I’ll share more on choosing the right provider in another post.)
One key thing to remember: young children don’t process change the way adults do. They can’t rationalise transitions in the same way, so we need to support them with patience, empathy, and intentionality.
As a parent, you know your child best, but here are five key strategies to help ease the transition into childcare.
1. Plan Ahead
If possible, start preparing several weeks in advance. Gradually introducing your child to the new environment and caregivers can help them feel more secure. This is especially crucial if you’re returning to work—giving yourself only a couple of weeks to transition before your first day can create unnecessary pressure to “drop and run” before your child is truly ready.
2. Slow Down the Drop-Off
Give yourself ample time at drop-off to create a calm, reassuring experience. If possible, start with short separations and gradually extend them. A rushed goodbye can heighten your child’s anxiety and make the transition more difficult in the long run. Letting them feel a sense of control over the process can ease their adjustment.
3. Provide a Comfort Object
Sometimes, you simply have to leave, even if your child isn’t fully ready. A small comfort object—like a special toy, blanket, or even a bracelet they wear—can help them feel connected to you throughout the day. You can also show them that you have something special to remind you of them, reinforcing the idea that your bond remains strong even when you’re apart. (Check with the provider before promising any particular item.)
4. Talk It Through
Conversations about separation—before and after it happens—can help your child process their emotions. If they’re old enough, ask how they’re feeling and validate their emotions, even if they seem small. If they’re not yet verbal, simply acknowledging their distress (“I know it’s hard to say goodbye right now, and that’s okay”) can be reassuring. Open dialogue fosters emotional resilience and trust.
5. Manage Your Own Emotions
Transitions aren’t just tough for toddlers—they’re tough for parents, too. If you’re feeling anxious, guilty, or uncertain, your child will pick up on it. Acknowledging your own emotions and finding healthy ways to process them (whether through a partner, a friend, or your childcare provider) can help you project confidence and reassurance to your child.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting to childcare takes time, and every child’s journey is unique. With patience, preparation, and emotional support, you can help ease the process for both of you.
What strategies have worked for you during this transition? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Anne Cullen is a Family Strategist who helps mission-driven founders build thriving families without sacrificing their own wellbeing. With a focus on conscious parenting, responsive care, and breaking generational patterns, Anne blends practical strategies with values-driven insights to support parents from the very start of their journey. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her walking in nature, listening to business and wellness podcasts, or spending time with her husband and two sons.
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