The first day at day care is looming and it is a scary and challenging prospect for mom and provider alike. But, never fear, I have compiled the First Day Survival Guide for all concerned.

This is a team effort with Mom laying the groundwork by gently preparing the child with talk of how much fun day care will be. The provider can be suggesting role playing at home, perhaps providing mom with names of kids and carers to facilitate that familiarization.

Moms should allow the child to help pack and carry their bags. When you arrive at the day care, walk your child to the door holding his hand, do not carry him. Carrying the child will make the transition considerably harder for all concerned.

One of the providers policies should be a settling in routine where mom and child pay several visits to the day care in the weeks preceding the first day. Mom should become familiar with the routines of the day care and begin implementing them at home plus fostering independence by arranging visits to other kids homes.

Allow the child to help pack his bag and carry it. When you arrive at the day care walk your child in holding his hand, do not carry him. Providers should insist on this therefore avoiding the peeling child off the parent scenario.

All day cares should have a settling in period where the child will stay for gradually longer periods of time. Facilitate the moms so they can be around but discourage too much mom involvement. This is where mom needs to take a back seat and observe rather than interact. Provide one on one support for the child. He may just want to sit and observe for a while eventually venturing into a group to participate or play alone with a toy. Let him go at his own pace. When mom leaves, distract him immediately by ushering him off to some exciting activity.

Moms should take a back seat the first day of settling in. Allow your child to do his own thing, observing or interacting - he will go at his own pace. Gradually, you may step into the hall, first explaining you are going to the bathroom and eventually, you will sit in your car or get a coffee as your child settles down. Always remember to say, bye mommy will see you later, firmly and cheerfully. Do not look back if your child cries. They will be distracted and will stop crying shortly.

Parents and providers should work together from the very beginning. This communication and consistency will ensure a happy and smooth transition for the child. Now, providers can enjoy their new little character and moms can enjoy a few hours of me time!!