Connecting After Childcare
Four ways to reconnect with your child after a big day of work and early learning.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Returning to work and starting at childcare is tiring for everyone involved, and although this new normal takes some getting used to, it’s good to know that you can keep a great connection with your child, despite being separated for large chunks of the day!
Here are four ways to make the most of the time you have together, and nurture the very special bond you have as parent and pre-schooler.
1. Approach the childcare pick-up positively
Switching from a work mindset to a parenting one isn’t always easy – especially if you’ve had to leave the office mid-task and race to the childcare pick-up.
However, it is really important to make that mental switch as best you can, and greet your child with joy and love!
Collecting them with a smile and a hug will help you to reconnect emotionally and physically, and pick-up is a great opportunity to notice something special your child has done during the day (with online platforms like Storypark giving you intel on what to look for!).
You can also check in briefly with your child’s educators, and their response to a question like, “Anything I should know about today?” will give you some reconnection cues.
For instance, if the educator explains that your under-five has made a new friend, you can ask your child questions about that friend and share in their interest and excitement.
2. Add some fun to the childcare commute
Whether you’re walking, catching public transport, or travelling by car, the trip home is a great chance to reconnect with your child.
There’s time to look, talk and laugh together; and depending on your child's age and family's mode of transport, you might like to play ‘I Spy’, count how many dogs you see, or sing along to a favourite tune.
The childcare commute is also a golden opportunity to ask your pre-schooler specific questions, like, “What was the best thing you did today?” or “What was the yummiest thing you ate at childcare?”
3. Enjoy a special activity together
If your child is enrolled for shorter days of care, then a trip to the playground, ‘mummy and me’ craft project, or casual gardening session are all positive ways to reconnect after pick-up.
A tea-party-for-two is also a fun idea, and How Motherhood Changed Me podcaster Jenna Yates, says, “When my son started childcare, we would have a tea party every afternoon. I would pick him up and have it all ready, and it was a really beautiful way for us to reconnect and talk about our days.”
And don't worry - if you and your child are home too late for a dedicated afternoon activity, you can always plan to spend some special time together on the weekend, and weave some ‘us time’ into the weeknights.
For example, you might like to involve your child in meal preparation, take turns sharing experiences around the dinner table, or get ready for tomorrow by choosing childcare clothes together.
If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child, then the Raising Children Network explains that feeding your little one after childcare is also a great way to reconnect.
4. Bond over a consistent bedtime routine
Children really do thrive on routine, and after a big day of learning through play, the ‘bath, book and bed’ routine is important for their recuperation, and your reconnection.
The Raising Children Network says you may be able to, ‘Build special time into your evening routine, with songs and play at bath time or cuddles and stories at bedtime.’
And although older children tend to get very chatty just before lights out, resist the urge to snap off the lights and vanish!
Instead, take the time to listen and engage as they delve into their topic of choice (be it Bluey, dinosaurs or the meaning of life!), then wind things up by saying something like, “There’s a lot to think about, but for now, close your eyes and have a wonderful sleep, so you are all rested for tomorrow.”
All of the above acts will help you to reconnect with your child and make the most of the time you have together, and just being there is sometimes enough.
It’s likely your child will want some quiet time after their super busy day, especially if they’re new to long day care, so if they’re feeling low-key, let them know that you’re available for cuddles and whatever else they need.
Every child is different, so follow your little one’s lead, and if mornings are better for meaningful conversations, then that’s ok!
