The first drop-off after the holidays can feel heavier than you expect.
You might have spent the past few weeks enjoying slower mornings, extra cuddles, family time and a softer rhythm to your days. Even if you know your child is happy at childcare, walking back to the car, hands suddenly empty, can still bring a lump to your throat.
If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Why does this feel harder than I thought it would?” please know this: you’re not alone, and nothing is wrong.
For many families, returning to childcare after the holidays is an emotional transition, for children and parents.
Why this transition can feel bigger than expected
Over the holidays, children often settle into a very different kind of routine. Days may be slower. Faces are familiar. There’s more one-on-one attention, more flexibility, and more time together.
Coming back to childcare means gently shifting gears again - re-learning routines, reconnecting with educators and friends, and spending longer periods away from home. Even when childcare is a positive, safe place, that adjustment can take time.
For parents, there can be another layer too. After weeks of being together more, it can feel surprisingly emotional to hand your child back, even when you trust the people caring for them.
None of this means your child isn’t ready. None of this means you’ve made the wrong choice. It simply means you’re both adjusting.
What you might notice in the first few weeks back
Every child responds differently, but many families notice small changes as children settle back in.
You might see your child holding onto you a little longer at drop-off, feeling more tired than usual in the afternoons, or needing extra reassurance once they’re home. Some children express this through tears, while others may seem quieter or show bigger emotions later in the day.
These moments don’t mean your child is struggling, they’re often a sign that your child feels safe enough to let those feelings out.
If you’re looking for more practical guidance, our full guide to settling in at Milestones shares simple, supportive ideas to help children feel secure and confident during transitions.
How you can gently support your child (and yourself)
There’s no single “right” way to handle this transition, but a few small, steady practices can make a big difference.
- Keep goodbyes calm and predictable: A warm, confident goodbye, even if your heart feels wobbly, helps your child feel secure. Let them know when you’ll be back, and trust that their educators will support them once you leave.
- Talk positively about childcare at home: Simple, reassuring language like “You’ll see your friends today” or “Your educator will help you if you feel unsure” builds confidence over time.
- Re-establish gentle routines: Predictable mornings and early nights can help children feel grounded again. Even small consistencies, the same breakfast, the same goodbye ritual, offer comfort.
- Expect extra connection in the afternoons: After a full day of learning, socialising and concentrating, many children need closeness. Quiet play, reading together, or simply sitting side by side can help them reset.
- And just as importantly, be kind to yourself. Feeling emotional doesn’t mean you’re not coping. It means you care deeply.
How Milestones supports children during this transition
At Milestones, we understand that the start of the year can feel like a big step, especially after time away.
Our educators take a gentle, child-led approach to settling back in. That might look like sitting beside a child during play while they find their confidence again, remembering a favourite activity or comfort routine from last year, or offering extra reassurance at drop-off.
We take cues from each child, move at their pace, and work closely with families so children feel safe, seen and supported, from their very first day back.
A quiet reminder for parents
Some days will feel smooth. Others might feel harder, even after a good day at the centre. Both are part of the process.
If you ever have questions, worries, or simply want to check in about how your child is settling, you can connect with your team, or find your closest Milestones centre here:
Find a Milestones centre near you
Your child is learning something important right now, not just how to return to routine, but how to navigate change, build trust, and grow in confidence.
And you’re supporting that simply by showing up, staying consistent, and trusting the journey.
You’re doing a wonderful job!