Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/caring-for/5011988/
Moving up out of the infant room is a major event with strong emotional overtones for everyone involved. Let's look at this transition from the viewpoint of the three types of people involved: the parents, the child, and the caregiver.THE PARENTS
Parents often lament, "I'm losing my baby." Some actually cry at this step. It can be almost as difficult as leaving their child in child care in the first place. Many parents come to regard their children's caregivers as trusted friends and can feel a personal rejection as they are told it is time to move on.
Parents worry. The infant room has been a calm, sheltered place. When they peek into the toddler room, it can seem like chaos in comparison. Toddlers are bigger, more active, and more aggressive. They worry that their child might be lost and at the bottom of the pecking order. They may feel that nobody knows their baby in the toddler room or is aware of the child's uniqueness and preferences.
THE CHILD
Now let's examine the child's point of view. There will be a major separation from a beloved caregiver and the other children of the infant room. All the familiar landmarks of the environment and routine ...