Starting childcare is a big milestone for both children and their parents. It’s often filled with mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety, pride, and uncertainty. Whether you’re returning to work, looking for social enrichment for your child, or simply ready to take the next step in your family’s routine, the transition into daycare or preschool can be made smoother with the right tools and support. One of the most powerful tools? Books.
Reading books for your own understanding and with your child to foster their understanding can build confidence, provide language for the emotions you’re both feeling, and set a positive tone for this new chapter. Research shows that shared reading experiences between parents and children improve emotional regulation, early literacy, and social development. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading together daily supports stronger parent-child bonds and helps children adjust more easily to new environments like daycare or preschool.
Books for Parents: Understanding the Benefits of Childcare
Reading about early childhood development and the benefits of childcare can empower you as a parent. These titles offer expert insight, practical strategies, and emotional support:
- “Einstein Never Used Flashcards” by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff
- This research-based book explains how play-based learning in childcare settings supports healthy development. Today’s children are growing up in a world that is ever changing and play based learning gives them the advantage to change with their worlds.
- “The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups” by Erika Christakis
- A powerful reminder of the value of early learning environments that respect children’s natural curiosity. At Training Wheels Childcare, we value your child right where they are developmentaly.
- “How Toddlers Thrive” by Tovah P. Klein
- A practical guide for navigating toddler behavior and transitions, including starting preschool or childcare. You are doing a great job and your toddler is doing their best too.
Children’s Books: Stories That Encourage and Comfort
Children may not have the words to express their feelings about starting daycare or preschool but stories can help. This is why your child loves the same stories or show characters over and over. These books normalize the experience and highlight the joys of learning, friendships, and independence.
- “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
- A sweet story about first-day nerves and how children can adapt to being away from home.
- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
- A beautiful tale of reassurance and love, perfect for easing separation anxiety.
- “Rosie Goes to Preschool” by Karen Katz
- A simple, cheerful story that introduces preschool routines and helps kids know what to expect.
- “Owen” by Kevin Henkes
- Focusing on the transition to independence, this Caldecott Honor book addresses letting go of comfort objects in a gentle, understanding way.
- “Bye-Bye Time” by Elizabeth Verdick
- A great pick for toddlers, it helps explain goodbyes and what happens after parents leave.
Making the Transition Easier: Tips for Parents
Your family has made a smart choice to encourage and reinforce the benifits of this new season in life. Starting daycare at Training Wheels Childcare is going to be a hard but positive experiance because you are filled with these truths from the booklist. Just a few more tips include:
- Start reading together a few weeks before the first day to build familiarity.
- Visit the daycare or preschool with your child ahead of time.
- Create a goodbye ritual using ideas from books like The Kissing Hand.
- Talk openly about what will happen during the day and emphasize the fun and friends they’ll have.
- Validate emotions—both yours and your child’s. It’s okay to feel nervous!
By reading books that resonate with your family’s experience, you’re not just filling your child’s bookshelf—you’re laying the foundation for emotional resilience, a love of learning, and a positive start to childcare.