Some tips for dads for first days of school or daycare

1. Ideally, start occasionally using a babysitter after six months of age for short periods to build trust in adults. Playdates by 12 months, and eventually preschool or daycare by age 3 or 4 can be helpful to prepare for the bigger challenges of kindergarten.
2. Be supportive of your child’s feelings even if he cries and “acts like a baby.” Do not scold or make fun of him. Let the child know that you understand how scary it is to be separated from daddy without dwelling on the negative.
3. When leaving, give a quick kiss, a goodbye, and promise that someone will be back to pick her up. Don’t sneak out of the room.
4. Bring along things from home to remind the child of security. Recommended objects would be a stuffed animal that always goes to school and a photo of the family. Suggest to your child that he or she tell the teachers about the importance of these objects.