Daycare & Kinder Readiness | Help Your Toddler Settle With Confidence

Prepare your toddler for daycare or kindergarten. Practical settling strategies, drop-off tips and what's normal over the first weeks — 8+ parent FAQs.

Starting daycare or kinder is a huge developmental leap — for your child and for you. Most toddlers take 2–6 weeks to genuinely settle, and some cry at drop-off for months even when they're happy the moment you leave. Tears aren't a sign the transition is failing; they're a sign your child trusts you enough to show big feelings.

Before the first day

What to pack

The first drop-off

When they cry (and they will)

The first weeks — what's normal

Supporting the transition at home

Communicating with your centre

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