photo credit: Mari & Nacho
We all know that our kids enjoy and have to have routines. And when your child has a disability it is even more important to have our children under routines. So when something is new in their life, like a new babysitter, our children become frightened, scared or anxious.
There are different ways you can help ease your child’s fears. If you make sure your child is at ease with the new baby sitter then you have created a win situation on both ends.
On depending the what age your child is, you may be able to get them to help you choose a provider. If your child feels like they are part of the process they begin to feel better about the whole situation.
Before you even begin your daycare search ask your children what questions they may have for the new daycare. Your child may even want to ask their own questions. All our children have concerns and they need to voice there questions and concerns.
When you first visit the facility make sure your child goes with you if possible. That way your child can see things first hand. Once you leave ask your child what they like or did not like? Ask them if there was anything there that made them scared or nervous.
If you are going to have your daycare provider come into your home make sure you schedule a few imitation sessions. The first visit should be about an hour long play date, where you, the provider and your child all get together talk, maybe play a little and get to know each other.
On the second visit start out just like you did the first one but then make a quite little exit after about half an hour. You may stay near just in case your child become scared. One the the third visit meet the provider at the door, tell your child they are in charge and you have other things to do in another part of the house. Keep your distance and let your child get used to this new routine.
After about half hour let your child know that you have an errand to run and that you will be right back. They might fuss but you still need to go and do it. Maybe you just drive around the neighborhood for about 10 or 15 minutes.
Your child will see that you have come back and that the world did not come to an end. All their fears will be pushed to the side and they will be at ease.
If you decide to do outside daycare you can do this same thing but you will do these things at the facility instead of in your home. One of your child’s biggest fears may be the other children and they fear they wont make friends because they are different. But normally it does not take your child long at all to make friends and put those fears aside.
The best way to ease your child’s fears is don’t rush things. Take your time and let your child get used to the new routine.
