As parents, it's only natural to want to do everything for your child. While pampering your child is great, it's also important to allow them to learn skills that can make them self-sufficient and learn independent tasks. As your child enters the toddler stage, there are many goals to reach so your child can be responsible on their own. One way to help with these goals is by sending them to a daycare program. Whether it's for a few days a week or during your work schedule, a daycare program can really help teach your child independent activities and goals that help them become more self-sufficient as they grow older. In a daycare program, there are three different ways a child can learn these goals and apply them to various activities for the rest of their life.

Daycare Preparation

By setting up a daycare schedule, your child will have a routine to follow on specific days. This is a great way to set up expectations and allow a child to start getting ready on their own. Even with a little guidance on your part, slowly the child will build their own skills that can be used anytime they need to get ready for a trip or errand. During the toddler years, your child should learn to start dressing on their own. Even if you're still picking the outfits, a toddler can use daycare preparation to practice putting on clothes, socks, and shoes. They can also learn to pack a snack and prepare a backpack if one is needed. This is a great time to start teaching children how to tie their shoes.

Some daycare programs will further emphasize this with activities that teach children about routines including tying shoes, getting dressed, and brushing teeth. During a typical day, your child will know when it's time to play, relax, or enjoy a meal. This can make a huge difference on their self-sufficiency at home. When it's time for dinner, you child will know what's expected and be ready to stop their activity to go and eat a meal. Going through these routines on a daily basis can help them have more control of personal decisions and guide them towards a positive path.

Cleanliness

One thing that many daycare programs emphasize is cleanliness. Through learning programs, games, and routines within the daycare, your child can learn to take care of their bodies and stay clean. Before any snacks or meals, your child will learn to independently wash their hands and dry them off. This same routine may also be done after returning indoors from playing outside. Books and games can also teach your child about healthy routines they can implement at home. This includes proper methods for brushing teeth and learning about things not to do to help limit germ exposure. Cleanliness is also focused on during craft projects. Your child will learn how to properly clean up messes and deal with tings like clay, glitter, or other craft accessories.

Social Interactions & Conflict

Another way to help your child learn self-sufficient skills is by exposing them to different social situations. When being around other children their same age, your child has the ability to learn how to manage conflict and handle a variety of situations. During the toddler stage, one of the biggest areas that will get focused on is sharing. Daycare teachers will help encourage children to properly share toys. If a problem arises, proper communication will be taught to help resolve the situation peacefully. This can help a child manage their emotions and learn how to settle conflicts without adult intervention. This can lead to more positive experiences and set up a successful path for social skills in the future.

Every daycare program curriculum is different. This is why it's important to research and choose a daycare center that can fit your child's needs. After just a few months, you will start to notice the positive changes with your child.

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