For a parent, getting a reliable childcare option that works brings relief, because you can finally go to work without worrying (too much). For parents that choose daycare, you soon discover that this option can bring its own set of challenges. Before deciding that it isn't the thing for you and your child, read some common challenges children in daycare settings may have in the transition phase, and find out how you can solve them. After all, they'll soon be shipping off to kindergarten and will need to acclimatise eventually.

1. Adjusting problems

Separation anxiety is common with babies as early as six months, and, depending on upbringing, it can persist way into pre-school years. For most children, a consistent goodbye routine started as young as possible is all it takes to cure separation blues, but there are some who continue to cry weeks after their first day at daycare.

Solving adjustment blues will need you to take a long hard look at your lives. Majority of children that have adjustment challenges have never experienced being away from their parents most of their lives. Pre-schoolers have some language skills, which means you can specifically ask them what they fear/don't like about daycare. Ensuring that you pick them up on time consistently and spend quality time with them when they're at home can ease the fear.

Another idea is to ensure the daycare program you choose includes your child's favourite activities. If you had already settled on one, speak to them about the possibility of introducing one or two activities he/she likes. Check in throughout the day and occasionally speak to the child to see whether they eventually acclimatize to the environment.

If these don't work, consider a different care option for a while, such as at-home care, during which you should work on separating from the child. You can try a different daycare after some time.

 2. Getting sick

In a group setting, it's impossible to eliminate the likelihood of your child picking up an illness. You can reduce the instances of your child getting or transmitting illness in daycare.

The first thing to do is read the daycare's policy on illness, which determines whether or not your child should do to daycare when they're sick. Remember that, while you wouldn't like to miss work because of alight cold, children are not very conscious about proper behaviour when sick to prevent transmission, and hence can pass germs to their friends and get them sick. This is why most daycares have very strict rules on admitting children exhibiting any illness. Sensibly, you should have a contingency plan to handle the child's sick days, especially if you're in a high-pressure job you can't be away from.

In addition, it's important to mention any symptoms a child has at night to the caregivers, so that they can check the child during the day. Some children will have a light fever or stomach upset at night, but wake up completely healthy again. Also, let them know any interventions you made, such as medication, which will inform their action should symptoms recur while you're away.

Finally, ensure that your child eats a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they are immunity boosters. They should also be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

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