End of parental leave: returning to work and starting daycare

This step often stirs up very mixed emotions! The need to find time for yourself and your career can sit right alongside the guilt of entrusting your child to someone else. This transition is a major adjustment, for the parent as much as for the child, and it is normal to feel some worry about it.

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Anticipating the transition

Preparing for this separation ahead of time makes the adjustment much easier. 

Children aged 7 to 9 months may experience the separation more intensely because of the separation anxiety typical of this period. As much as possible, it is best not to add other big changes at the same time (moving, separation, the birth of another child, etc.).

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Preparing well for the start of daycare

Preparing your child

• Explain to your child what daycare is, even if they are very young
• Draw comparisons with familiar situations or friends to reassure them
• Plan a first meeting with the educator without your child, then a second visit with them so they can discover the place
• Tell the person in charge about your child's habits and temperament
• Choose which parent will take the child to daycare based on who is calmer and more emotionally steady
• Identify the comfort items to bring along (stuffed animal, blanket, photo)

Good to know: since parents are their child's main attachment figure, the child feels their parents' emotions intensely. A climate of trust and security makes for a smoother adjustment. It is therefore essential that parents feel reassured themselves so they can better support their child through this step.

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Easing the transition

• Start gradually, with short stretches at daycare
• Explain to your child how the day will unfold
• Adopt a clear, consistent goodbye routine
• Avoid drawn-out departures; stay calm and reassuring
• Contact the educator after you leave if you need to, for an update
• Leave comfort items with your child
• Stick to the new schedule to help your child find their bearings in the day
• Do not worry if your child does not want to leave daycare at the end of the day - this often reflects a good level of adjustment

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Communication: an essential pillar

A trusting relationship between the parents and the educator is essential. Anything that could affect your child's behaviour (sleep, eating, emotions, family changes) should be shared so that everyone can support them consistently.

In closing, starting daycare is a pivotal period that will take time, gentleness and kindness, along with an adjustment for the whole family, for the parent as much as for the child. So be patient with your child, but also with yourself!

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References:

• Gouvernement du Québec. July 2026. Inscrire votre enfant aux services de garde. https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/enfance/garderies-et-services-de-garde/portail-inscription/parents
• Naître et grandir. 2020. L'adaptation à la garderie. https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/0_12_mois/viefamille/bg-naitre-grandir-adaptation-service-de-garde-garderie/