This week marked a significant milestone for our family as Tommy started childcare two days each week.
As an Occupational Therapist, I spend my days supporting children and families through transitions, routines and developmental milestones. I often reassure parents that uncertainty, big emotions and changing routines are all part of the process. But experiencing this transition as a parent has given me a whole new perspective.
Preparing for childcare involved far more than simply dropping Tommy off on his first day.
There were countless practical tasks—buying childcare-friendly clothes that could survive painting, sensory play and muddy outdoor adventures, labelling what felt like every single item he owns, setting up his wardrobe so mornings could run more smoothly, and making sure all of the daily essentials were packed and ready to go.
Dummies. Nappies. Spare clothes. Comfort items. Drink bottles. Lunch supplies. Sleeping bags for rest time.
The list seemed endless.
A New Routine for the Whole Family
What struck me most wasn’t just how much preparation was involved—it was how many new routines needed to be created.
Childcare isn’t simply a new place for children; it’s an entirely new environment filled with unfamiliar people, sounds, smells, expectations and daily rhythms. Every part of the day looks different.
For young children, this requires flexibility, trust and resilience as they begin separating from familiar caregivers and learn to navigate a new social world.
For parents, it requires something equally challenging—learning to let go.
The Emotional Side of Transition
Emotionally, I wasn’t quite prepared for how significant this milestone would feel.
Where did my maternity leave go?
It feels like only yesterday we were bringing home our tiny newborn, and now here he is, confidently exploring the world without me for part of the week.
Like many parents, I’ve discovered that childcare brings a mixture of emotions:
- Pride
- Excitement
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Hope
Watching your child become more independent is both wonderful and bittersweet.
Growing Every Day
Tommy continues to amaze us.
Right now, he’s on the verge of walking, happily pushing chairs and furniture around the house as he builds confidence, balance and strength.
Every morning seems to bring something new—a new word, a new expression, a new way of interacting with the world.
His curiosity is endless, and his determination to master new challenges reminds me why early childhood is such an incredible period of development.
Why Childcare Can Be So Valuable
From an occupational therapy perspective, childcare provides rich opportunities for development through everyday experiences.
Children naturally develop important life skills while participating alongside their peers and educators, including:
- Social interaction and friendships
- Communication skills
- Independence
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving
- Following routines
- Self-help skills
- Confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Participation in group activities
These aren’t separate lessons—they’re learned through play, shared experiences and everyday routines.
Transitions Help Parents Grow Too
One thing I’ve learned this week is that transitions don’t just support our children’s development—they support ours as parents.
We learn to trust others with our precious little people.
We learn to adapt to new routines.
We discover that independence grows one small step at a time—for our children and for ourselves.
While part of me wishes I could slow time down and keep my baby little for just a little longer, another part feels incredibly excited to watch the confident, capable little boy he is becoming.
As I pack the nappies, replace the spare clothes, wash another sleeping bag and prepare for another childcare day, I’m reminded that these seemingly ordinary tasks are helping Tommy build the confidence, participation and independence that will support him throughout life.
Sometimes, the smallest backpack carries the biggest milestones.
TTN Childcare Transition Checklist
Starting childcare is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for children and parents alike. A little preparation can make those first few weeks much smoother.
Before Starting Childcare
Administration
☐ Complete enrolment paperwork
☐ Provide emergency contact details
☐ Update immunisation records
☐ Inform educators of allergies, medical needs or dietary requirements
☐ Discuss sleep routines and comfort strategies
☐ Share important information about your child’s interests, personality and routines
Clothing & Personal Items
Label Everything!
☐ Clothing
☐ Hats
☐ Shoes
☐ Drink bottles
☐ Lunchboxes
☐ Comfort items
☐ Sleeping bags or bedding
☐ Dummy containers
Wardrobe Preparation
☐ Purchase enough childcare-friendly clothing
☐ Pack 2–3 complete spare outfits
☐ Include weather-appropriate clothing
☐ Choose easy-to-manage shoes
☐ Check hat requirements
Daily Essentials
Nappy Bag
☐ Nappies
☐ Wipes
☐ Nappy cream
☐ Change mat (if required)
Comfort & Sleep
☐ Dummy and spare
☐ Comfort toy or blanket
☐ Sleeping bag or sleep sack
☐ Familiar comfort item
Food & Drink
☐ Drink bottle
☐ Lunchbox (if required)
☐ Approved snacks
☐ Formula, breastmilk or bottles (if applicable)
Preparing Your Child
☐ Visit the childcare centre beforehand
☐ Attend orientation sessions
☐ Meet the educators
☐ Explore the playground together
☐ Read books about starting childcare
☐ Practise short separations
☐ Establish a predictable morning routine
☐ Talk positively about childcare
☐ Encourage your child to help pack their own bag where appropriate
First Week Survival Tips
☐ Expect some big emotions—for everyone
☐ Keep drop-offs short, calm and confident
☐ Create a consistent goodbye routine
☐ Trust the educators to support settling
☐ Allow extra time each morning
☐ Pack bags the night before
☐ Celebrate small wins
☐ Remember that adjustment takes time
A Gentle Reminder for Parents
☐ Take a photo of the first day
☐ Be kind to yourself
☐ Expect mixed emotions
☐ Ask educators questions
☐ Give new routines time to develop
☐ Celebrate your child’s growing independence
Occupational Therapy Tips
✔ Build consistent morning and evening routines.
✔ Use visual schedules if your child benefits from predictability.
✔ Encourage independence with simple everyday tasks such as putting shoes away, washing hands and carrying their backpack.
✔ Allow extra downtime after childcare—children are often mentally and emotionally tired as they adjust.
✔ Remember that increased clinginess, emotional regulation challenges and tiredness during the first few weeks are completely normal.
✔ Focus on connection after pickup rather than asking lots of questions. Many children need time to decompress before talking about their day.
Final Thoughts
Every child settles into childcare differently, and every family finds their own rhythm in time.
Some children walk in confidently from day one, while others need weeks—or even months—to feel completely comfortable. Neither approach is right or wrong.
Starting childcare isn’t a test to pass; it’s a transition to navigate together.
At The Therapy Network, we know that life’s biggest developmental milestones often begin with the smallest everyday moments. Whether your child is starting childcare, kindergarten or school, remember that with patience, consistency and support, confidence grows one day—and one little step—at a time.
