Denver Association of Family Child Care

	Before all else, look for and greet your child! Showing her that you are happy to see her, and giving her a big hug reassures her and starts the evening off on a good foot.
	If your child is in the middle of an activity, try to give her a few minutes to finish it. Let her know how much time she has to finish what she is doing. You can spend this time sitting with her and listening to her talk about her project. If she is busily engaged in play with other children, tell her she has a few minutes to finish her game and then she will need to say goodbye to her friends and go home with you.
	Greet your child's teachers or provider and ask how your child's day went. They should be able to tell you of any unusual activities, special projects, or of any milestones she achieved that day. They should also be able to tell you how she ate and slept, and if she seems to be feeling well.
	Gather up your child's take-home items, such as finished art projects, lunchbox (if applicable), soiled clothing, etc.
	Be sure your child says goodbye to her playmates and teachers or provider.
	If your child is reluctant to leave, don't take it personally! It may mean that she is having a wonderful time in child care, which is a good sign. It may also just be difficult for her age group to make transitions.
	If your child has a temper tantrum or balks at leaving, neither bribe nor threaten. Remain calm and firm, saying, "I know it's hard to leave when you are having fun, but we are going home now to have dinner and see (names of siblings, other parent, family pet)." After telling your child that you will be leaving soon, if your child still resists, tell her, "Say goodbye, we are leaving now." If necessary, you may need to pick her up to make the transition from center or playground.
	Have a small snack for your child in the car, such as a small bag of cereal or a juice box, particularly if it will be a while until dinner.
	Talk or sing with your child on the way home; for example you could ask about her art projects, or the friends you saw her playing with at the center. Sing silly songs together, or talk about things you see out the window. For very young children, talk or sing to them even if they don't talk back; it stimulates language development, and lets them know you are happy to be with them.
	When you get home, post your child's newest artwork on the refrigerator or another area at the child's eye-level.
	Pack up a fresh change of clothes in your child's bag, plus anything else she may need to take to child care tomorrow (diapers for younger ones; items for field trips or swimming days; etc).
	Last but not least, try to make some time in the evening for "quality time" with each child. Playing a game, reading books together, cooking or doing other projects together, and spending time talking and laughing with you is very important to children and reinforces the parent-child bond. When you have good times together at home, it helps your child to feel secure.