Starting Nursery: How to Ease the Transition for Children and Parents

PH-JEB
Jun 5
3 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Introduction

Beginning nursery school is a big step for young children and their families. It’s often the first time children spend extended time away from home, and it marks the start of their journey in a social learning environment. While exciting, this transition can also bring challenges—for children, parents, and nursery staff. A smooth, supportive adaptation period helps everyone feel more confident and connected.

💐Understanding the Adaptation Process

The decision to enroll a child in a nursery often stems from practical needs—returning to work, providing social interaction for the child, or advice from professionals such as pediatricians. Once families make this choice, they usually begin their search online or by visiting local nurseries.

Educators often recommend visiting two or three nurseries to find the right fit. What feels comfortable during the first visit often plays a major role in the final decision. Bringing the child along during these visits can help them begin to connect emotionally with the new environment.

After enrollment, families and caregivers begin working together to ensure a gentle transition. Parents should be well-informed about what adaptation involves—including how caregiving gradually shifts from the parent to the nursery staff. Supporting the parent’s emotions is just as important as caring for the child.

Nurseries sometimes offer “trial mornings” where families can spend time in the setting, join outdoor activities, and meet caregivers. This helps children become familiar with the space and staff in a relaxed way.

One of the most effective methods is a home visit. During this visit, the caregiver and another staff member spend time at the child’s home, allowing the child to see their parents welcome the caregiver into their personal space. It helps build trust and gives the staff valuable insight into the child’s routine and personality.

⌚️The Adaptation Timeline

The adaptation period typically lasts around 10 days, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the child. Here’s how it often unfolds:

Days 1–3: Parents stay with their child and actively participate in daily routines. The caregiver observes and starts building a connection.
Day 4: The first short separation—usually 15–20 minutes—takes place. Parents must always say goodbye clearly, even for short separations. If the child cannot be comforted, the parent returns, signaling that more time is needed.
Days 5–10: Gradual increases in separation time. Parents begin to step back, letting caregivers meet the child’s needs while remaining nearby for support.
Week 3 onwards: Most children now see the caregiver as a trusted figure and are comfortable eating, playing, and resting at nursery.

Every child’s pace is different—some need more time, others adjust quickly. The key is patience and consistent emotional support.

🤔What Parents Often Worry About

It’s natural for parents to feel uncertain. Some common concerns include:

Am I making the right choice for my child?
Will the caregivers be kind and nurturing?
How will my child handle the new routine?
What if they cry every day?
Will they eat or sleep well without me?
Could this experience harm their emotional development?

Practical Tips to Support Adaptation

Meet the caregivers in advance to build familiarity.
Attend nursery playgroups or open days before starting.
Use home visits to create emotional continuity.
Give caregivers a small, meaningful gift to share with the child—a gesture of warmth and welcome.
Match caregiver and parent temperaments when possible to support mutual understanding.
Create a warm, welcoming nursery atmosphere.
Provide reading materials that help parents prepare emotionally and practically.

📖Real Story: Overcoming Language Barriers

One Finnish-speaking child found the first few weeks of nursery overwhelming. They missed their mother deeply and were confused by the unfamiliar language. The caregiver introduced a five-minute separation strategy, slowly increasing the time apart each day. Over time, the child gained confidence, began enjoying their days, and spent two happy years at the nursery—playing, eating, and resting peacefully.