The dreaded morning routine for kids—getting them up, dressed, and out the door—is challenging enough. Add a difficult daycare drop-off to the mix, and you've got the cherry on top of a rough morning. Rough mornings and even tougher drop-offs happen to everyone, but with a few parenting tips, making drop-off easier might be more doable than you think.  

How to make drop-off at daycare easier 

1. Reassure with familiarity: Remind your child that their daycare classroom is a place where they are loved and cared for—just like home. The relationships and experiences they build are special and contribute to shaping their sense of belonging. 
2. Give yourself breathing room:  Avoid the morning rush by allowing extra time.  Arriving early allows you to ease into the day—whether it’s a quick chat with the teacher, helping your child settle in, or simply taking a breath. 
   While some mornings will inevitably be chaotic, carving out a little extra time can make daycare drop-offs feel less like a chore and more like a connection. 
3. Create a consistent good-bye routine with your child. You can try a hug, a handshake, or a special phrase. Having these predictable rituals can help make daily drop-offs smoother and more comforting for your child. 
4. Partner with teachers: Spend a few extra minutes in the classroom to ease the transition.  Coordinate with teachers on your drop-off approach—whether it’s lingering for a moment or signaling when you need support for a quick goodbye.
5. Lead with confidence: Be brave and confident for your child—even if you're struggling inside. Calm, reassuring goodbye helps your child feel secure. Trust the loving teachers to comfort them and save your tears for when you’re in the car. 
   Your confidence can make all the difference in helping them adjust.
6. Always say goodbye: While it might be tempting to slip out unnoticed to avoid tears, remember to always say goodbye. Sneaking out can lead to confusion and break trust. Building a simple routine will reassure your child that you’ll always come back. 

Daycare drop-offs can be an emotional rollercoaster—for both kids and parents. But with a little planning, consistency, and communication, they can become smoother and more positive over time.  

Tune into episode 69 of our Teach. Play. Love. podcast, where experts, Claire Goss and Rachel Robertson, share more parenting advice for the first days of child care.