What if my child has difficulty saying good-bye when I leave him?

Many children, especially those three years old and under, have

a difficult time leaving their parents. Your child may want to say 

good-bye several times, or she may cry. Don’t threaten her or say, 

“Be good and stop crying,” or “Be a big girl.” She needs support, 

not pressure. You might be able to eliminate some of her anxiety 

by letting her bring along a favorite toy or blanket. Try arriving at 

school fifteen minutes early so you can spend more time with her 

before you go. Or give her a special little treat when she gets in the 

car, or a “love” note or picture to carry into school with her.

How can I choose the best child-care center or nursery school for my child?

 Every child-care center and nursery school is different, and parents

have to search carefully to find a good place for their child. Schools

might claim (as Montessori, Waldorf, co-op, traditional, and religious

schools do) that their programs are based on familiar philosophies,

but parents have to see how the philosophies are actually

implemented. The personalities of staff members, the physical

layout, and the day-to-day schedules are what determine a school

or center’s quality. The only way for parents to make an informed

choice is to observe a number of programs.