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A child’s ability to predict what will happen next and how he will be treated will lead to greater security. He will be freer to use his energies to explore his environment and learn, which in turn, leads to a sense of competence and feelings of confidence about his ability to be successful in his world. On the other hand, a child who is in a setting where adults do things suddenly, don’t provide some advance warning about what’s coming next, or who don’t work to try to match their care to what they see the child is experiencing, finds it more difficult to be prepared for what comes next.
Responsive routines and schedules are used by caregivers to enhance the quality of the relationship between the infant and the adult caregiver. This means that the sensitive caregiver uses her presence – her voice, eye contact, her physical proximity or nearness to the child, and her touch—to provide security and to assure the baby that the world is a safe and interesting place. |
Allowing Time for Hellos and Good-Byes
Hellos and good-byes can be hard for some children and adults. Our support as teachers and caregivers can help make this an easier transition.
Special Good-Bye Area
Have a special part of the room or an area outside the door that is the “special good-bye area.” This will give a designated space for caregivers and children to say good-bye. Many centers and home based care settings have decorated their special good-bye areas to make it easier to say good-bye and start the day.
Family Photos/Objects
Have family photos or favorite objects displayed around the room so children can see their families throughout the day, especially when they are feeling a little scared or lonely. Caregivers can point out the family pictures, talk about how loved the child is and remind him Dad will be back to pick him up after snack time.
Talk About Feelings
Acknowledge the feelings of children and adults. Talk to the children about their feelings and what they can do to feel better.
Rituals
Talk to families about having a fun “good-bye” ritual that they can do everyday with their child. For example, mom might help her son hang up his back pack and then give good-bye butterfly kisses while saying, “Here’s my special butterfly kiss to last throughout the day, I’ll be back to pick you up, so go and play!” Good-bye rituals become a signal to the child that it is time to say good–bye and reassures them that Mom will be back later!
Games
Have a fun good-bye game that you play as infants and toddlers are dropped off in the morning. It might be a fun song or a big hug. This is a great way to get other children involved in helping each other say good-bye as well as practice social skills.
Books
Make books about saying good-bye. The title for a book for a child who is dropped off by his Mom might be – “Mommy Comes Back.” The book goes through the schedule/routines of the day and shows the child leaving the home care or center setting at the end of the day with Mommy! You might also involve parents in making the book and have them take pictures of their morning routines to add to the book (what happens before the child comes to the center).
Hellos and good-byes can be hard for some children and adults. Our support as teachers and caregivers can help make this an easier transition.
Special Good-Bye Area
Have a special part of the room or an area outside the door that is the “special good-bye area.” This will give a designated space for caregivers and children to say good-bye. Many centers and home based care settings have decorated their special good-bye areas to make it easier to say good-bye and start the day.
Family Photos/Objects
Have family photos or favorite objects displayed around the room so children can see their families throughout the day, especially when they are feeling a little scared or lonely. Caregivers can point out the family pictures, talk about how loved the child is and remind him Dad will be back to pick him up after snack time.
Talk About Feelings
Acknowledge the feelings of children and adults. Talk to the children about their feelings and what they can do to feel better.
Rituals
Talk to families about having a fun “good-bye” ritual that they can do everyday with their child. For example, mom might help her son hang up his back pack and then give good-bye butterfly kisses while saying, “Here’s my special butterfly kiss to last throughout the day, I’ll be back to pick you up, so go and play!” Good-bye rituals become a signal to the child that it is time to say good–bye and reassures them that Mom will be back later!
Games
Have a fun good-bye game that you play as infants and toddlers are dropped off in the morning. It might be a fun song or a big hug. This is a great way to get other children involved in helping each other say good-bye as well as practice social skills.
Books
Make books about saying good-bye. The title for a book for a child who is dropped off by his Mom might be – “Mommy Comes Back.” The book goes through the schedule/routines of the day and shows the child leaving the home care or center setting at the end of the day with Mommy! You might also involve parents in making the book and have them take pictures of their morning routines to add to the book (what happens before the child comes to the center).