A Working Parents Guide to Navigating the Daycare and School Transition

Whether you’re preparing for daycare drop-offs or navigating the first day of “big” school, here’s your comprehensive roadmap to making it work.

For many parents, the return to work after parental leave coincides with the availability of daycare spots. This period marks a significant time of transition as families adapt to new routines and roles.

In this article, we explore practical strategies for a smooth transition, emphasising the importance of preparation, communication, and self-care.

Transitioning to daycare

The golden rule? Don’t let your first day of work coincide with your child’s first day at daycare. Here’s why:

• You’ll want to be fully present during your child’s orientation phase
• Early transitions give you buffer time for unexpected adjustments
• The infamous “daycare immune system build-up” (yes, those early weeks of sniffles are real!)

“Trust me you’ll be grateful to have to time to be present or not be rushing to a meeting when your child might need you stay a little longer,” says Transitioning Well co-founder, Justine Alter.

Planning ahead allows you to be present during the orientation phase, rather than juggling work commitments and a child adjusting to a new environment simultaneously. 

Remember, it’s not just the kids transitioning…  

Use the orientation period strategically. While your child adapts to their new environment:

• Schedule personal appointments you’ve been postponing
• Take time to refresh your professional wardrobe
• Enjoy some quiet moments to mentally prepare for your return to work

Creating your family game plan

Having a well-thought-out transition plan is crucial for managing potential contingencies and ensuring a successful return to work.

Conversations with partners about shared care responsibilities and domestic duties should begin early to avoid stress and misunderstandings once work resumes. 

“Once you’re back at work and tired, it makes these conversations a lot harder!” Says Justine. ‘Adopting the motto ‘ask, don’t assume’ with your partner encourages open communication, preventing disappointment stemming from unmet expectations.

Before diving back into work:

1. Have detailed discussions with your partner about shared responsibilities
2. Define clear expectations for household duties
3. Adopt the “ask, don’t assume” principle for family logistics

For daycare:

• Practise the morning routine, including bag packing
• Create a visual schedule with pictures for young children
• Plan gradual increases in attendance hours

For Primary School Pupils:

• Arrange playdates with future classmates
• Introduce age-appropriate household responsibilities
• Involve them in packed lunch preparation and uniform organisation

For Secondary School Students:

• Encourage summer reading of set texts
• Help establish study routines before term begins
• Create a calendar system for managing assignments

Modern workplace support

Today’s organisations increasingly recognise the importance of supporting parents through these transitions. Look for and advocate for:

• Flexible scheduling options
• Remote work possibilities
• Autonomous work arrangements
• Parent-friendly meeting schedules
• Understanding of occasional disruptions

Building Resilience

Remember that transitions take time. Some days will flow smoothly; others might feel chaotic. What matters is building sustainable routines that work for your family’s unique situation.

Consider documenting what works and what doesn’t. This “transition diary” can help you adjust strategies and might even help other parents in your network.

Looking Forward

The key to successfully navigating these transitions lies in preparation, flexibility, and open communication. Whilst the initial weeks might feel overwhelming, remember that thousands of families successfully manage this journey every year.

By taking a proactive approach and utilising available support systems, both at home and in the workplace, you can create a balanced routine that works for everyone involved.

To find out more about how Transitioning Well can help support parents and carers in the workplace, take a look at the Parents and Carers page.