Is it normal for my child to cry at drop-off?

Yes. Crying at drop-off is common, especially in the first weeks and in toddlers, as separation anxiety peaks at around 14 to 18 months. Most children stop crying shortly after their parent leaves.

Settling your child into childcare: a practical guide to the first weeks

Q: How long does it take a child to settle into childcare?

It varies. Some children settle within a few days or weeks, while others are still upset after the first few weeks. Most children stop crying shortly after their parent leaves, and most settle in well eventually.

Q: Should I sneak out so my child doesn’t see me leave?

No. Always say goodbye, even if your child looks busy and happy — leaving without a goodbye can make children more upset. Keep the goodbye short and use the same routine each day.

Most children settle into childcare within a few days or weeks; some take longer. What helps most is predictability: visit before the first day, start with shorter days, keep goodbyes short and the same each time, always say goodbye, and tell your child when you will be back. Crying at drop-off is common and usually stops soon after you leave.

How can I prepare my child before they start?

Make the centre familiar before the first day. Visit together, bring the centre’s routine into your days at home, and talk warmly about the educators and the other children.

Visit together first. Many services offer transition mornings or playtimes for parents and children. At Jolly Frog you can book a free class day, where your child joins a session and sees how it feels.
Practise the routine at home. In the weeks before, start fitting your days around the centre’s lunch, play and nap times.
Put a face to a name. If you can, get a photo of your child’s educator and talk about them by name.
Read about it. Books and stories about starting childcare or making new friends are a gentle way to talk about what is coming.
Pack a comfort item. A favourite soft toy, blanket or book can help, if the centre allows them — and tell the educators what comforts your child.

What should the first days look like?

Start small. Stay with your child for short visits at first, then leave them for short periods, and build up to full days over time.

Childcare is very stimulating, so expect your child to be tired at first. Keep afternoons and weekends quiet, with plenty of downtime at home.

How should I say goodbye?

Keep it short, warm and the same every day, and always say goodbye, even if your child looks busy and happy. Leaving without a goodbye can make children more upset.

Have a goodbye routine, like three kisses and a big hug, or a high five at the door.
Say when you will be back in a way your child understands, such as “after sleep time” or “after afternoon snack”.
Show that you trust the educators. Hand over warmly and let them help your child into the day.
Check in if you need to. It is completely fine to call the centre later to see how your child is going.

How long does settling in take?

There is no fixed timeframe. Some children settle within a few days or weeks; others are still upset after the first few weeks. Most children stop crying shortly after their parent leaves, and most settle in well eventually.

Children who come fewer days a week can take a little longer to settle. Separation anxiety is also a normal part of development — it peaks at around 14 to 18 months — so clinging at drop-off at that age is common.

How will I know my child has settled?

Signs your child is settling include being happy to go, eating and sleeping as usual, showing you things they have made, and talking happily about their day.

If your child is still very upset after a few weeks, talk to the educators. They see your child every day and can work with you on what might help.