How to Support Your Child’s Adjustment to Daycare

A calm start, familiar routines and close cooperation with the daycare staff are the best ways to support a child’s adjustment to daycare. The first few weeks are a major transition for a child, so a parent’s presence, predictable daily routines and accepting all emotions help the child build trust in the new environment and ease the transition into daycare life.

Starting daycare is a big step for the whole family. New people, a different daily rhythm and separation from parents can bring up many different emotions in a child. Every child adjusts at their own pace, but a safe and unhurried start helps build a positive foundation for everyday daycare life.

“Children adjust to daycare best when they can begin in a calm and safe environment. Clear routines, short goodbyes, a positive attitude from parents and support from the daycare staff help children build trust in their new daily life. Every child adapts to daycare at their own pace, but a safe start makes separation easier, reduces anxiety and supports the child’s wellbeing during the first weeks.”

How can you prepare your child for starting daycare?

You can prepare your child for starting daycare by talking in advance about what happens at daycare and what the new daily routine will look like. When a child has the chance to visit the daycare before their first day, the new environment feels safer and less intimidating.

It is good to talk about daycare in a positive but realistic way. You can tell your child about playtime, outdoor activities, meals and making new friends. Pilke daycare centres offer introductory visits and soft starts that allow the child to explore the new environment together with a parent before starting full-time care.

A familiar soft toy, comfort blanket or another important item can also provide comfort during the first days.

Why does a calm start help children adjust to daycare?

A calm start helps children adjust because they need time to process a major life change and build a sense of safety in the new environment. Shorter daycare days and an unhurried beginning reduce stress and help the child gradually adapt to new situations.

During the first weeks, children may become more tired than usual because the new environment can be emotionally demanding. If possible, daycare days can be extended gradually.

Unhurried mornings and calm transitions support a child’s sense of security. When parents are not constantly rushing, children often experience the situation as calmer too.

“Parents often wonder what age is best for starting daycare, but there is no single right answer. Every child adjusts to a new daily routine in their own way and at their own pace. According to Pilke’s early childhood education expert Elina Kutila, feelings such as nervousness, a new daily rhythm and separation from parents are completely normal regardless of the child’s age. Gradually, children get to know each other, find playmates and build a sense of security in the new environment. Early childhood education professionals actively support children in making friends and developing social skills.”

What routines support a child’s sense of security?

Clear and predictable routines support a child’s sense of security because they help the child understand the structure of the day and know what will happen next. A regular daily rhythm reduces uncertainty and helps the child adjust to their new daycare routine.

Helpful everyday routines include:

• waking up at the same time each morning
• calm morning routines
• getting enough sleep
• familiar goodbye routines
• peaceful evenings after daycare

Predictability is especially important for young children. When everyday life stays as consistent as possible from one day to the next, children can process new experiences more easily.

How can morning goodbyes feel as safe as possible?

Morning goodbyes feel safest when they are calm, clear and brief. Even if the child cries, a consistent and secure goodbye helps them understand that the parent will return later in the day.

Long hesitation or repeated goodbyes can make the situation more difficult for the child. Often the best approach is to:

• clearly say you are leaving
• tell the child when you will return
• give them a hug
• leave calmly

Daycare staff are experienced in supporting children during separation moments, and many children calm down quickly after the parent leaves.

How does cooperation with the daycare support a child’s adjustment?

Cooperation with the daycare helps children adjust because educators can better support the child’s individual needs when they know the child’s habits, interests and possible challenges. Open communication creates a safe foundation for the child’s everyday life.

Parents should share information such as:

• the child’s sleep routine
• eating habits
• ways the child calms down
• favourite games and activities
• possible fears or anxieties

When home and daycare work together, children experience their environment as safer and more consistent.

What if the child cries or misses their parents at daycare?

If a child cries or misses their parents at daycare, the most important thing is to calmly accept their feelings and show them that sadness and longing are completely allowed emotions. In most cases, the child gradually feels better as daycare routines become more familiar and secure.

Many children react more strongly to the change only after a few weeks. This is normal and does not mean daycare was the wrong choice.

Parents should listen to the child, offer comfort and try to stay calm themselves. A safe adult helps the child regulate their emotions.

How long does it usually take for a child to adjust to daycare?

Adjusting to daycare usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the child’s temperament, age and previous experiences. Every child progresses at their own pace, and adjustment should not be compared with other children.

According to a Finnish study, children adjusted to daycare on average within one and a half weeks.

Gradually, most children begin to:

• recognise daycare routines
• form attachments with educators
• make friends
• enjoy playtime
• feel safe in the environment

Even small successes are signs that the child is building trust in their new daily life. A safe and unhurried start creates a strong foundation for the entire daycare journey.

Practical tips for supporting your child’s adjustment during the first weeks

• Prepare for starting daycare together with your child in advance
• Visit the daycare before the first day
• Make sure all practical arrangements and equipment are ready early
• Start with shorter daycare days whenever possible
• Create safe and predictable daily routines
• Remember that it is okay to miss each other. Things will get easier with time
• Give your child positive attention when arriving and leaving
• Keep goodbye moments clear and brief, especially at the beginning
• Encourage and motivate your child about daycare
• Accept all emotions and listen calmly
• Work closely together with the daycare staff
• Ask questions and share any concerns openly
• Give your child time to adjust at their own pace

More than 80% of Finnish children aged 1–6 participated in early childhood education in 2024. Participation among 4–5-year-olds was especially high, at over 90%. This shows that starting daycare and adjusting to it are now part of everyday life for most Finnish families with children.

Are you still wondering about something related to starting daycare? Read our article Information for families when a child starts daycare and explore our frequently asked questions.

You can also always ask the staff at your Pilke daycare centre about any questions or concerns related to your child and family.

Welcome to Pilke Early Childhood Education and Care

• Why to choose private Pilke daycare
• Our daycare centres’ way of working
• Looking for your child’s first daycare place? We’ve put together an information package on what you should know when applying for daycare.
• Read fore more: ECEC and pedagogy at Pilke kindergartens