Returning to Work as a New Parent

As a new parent, the transition of returning to work, along with your child’s entrance into a new care environment, marks a big chapter. The unfamiliar journey can be exciting while also leading to some understandable anxiety.

As a Learning Care Group school, we at Pathways Learning Academy know how important it is to ensure this transition feels as smooth as possible for your whole family. When you tour one of our schools, you’ll see how nurturing our teachers are and how much care we put into making sure parents feel at ease. Keeping your child safe and happy is our top priority and that gives you peace of mind. We love growing our family!

In the meantime, here are some tips to help you all adjust to this new journey—together.

Familiarize Yourself with the New Environment 

Before the first day, visit your child’s school. Utilize this opportunity to practice your routine of packing for the day, planning your transportation route, and ensuring your child has everything they need.

School leaders will happily show you around, introduce you to your child’s future teachers, and let you explore the new surroundings. This also gives you a chance to share your child’s current routine and schedule. Familiarizing yourself with the environment can help everyone feel more comfortable.

Establish a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to preparing your child for school. Establishing a daily routine that mirrors the schedule they will follow in the classroom can help ease the transition. This includes waking up, eating meals, and napping at similar times each day.

As children grow, creating visual schedules that include realistic images or photos can help support visual cues to signify transitions. Kids feel more secure when they know what to expect.

Maintain Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teachers and school leaders. We are excellent partners in the process! Communicate about your child’s needs, preferences, and any specific instructions to ensure they feel supported and cared for during their time away from home.

Take advantage of our digital communication tools to connect regularly with teachers and take comfort in being able to check on your child’s classroom via live streaming cameras. From the start, you can see if your child is napping, getting some tummy time in, or enjoying extra snuggles. As they grow and become more active, you can watch as they participate in hands-on activities and engage with peers.

Encourage Independence

In time, you can lead by example to encourage your little one to build independence through common daily activities such as dressing themselves, putting away toys, or feeding themselves. Developing these self-help skills will not only boost their confidence but also make them feel more comfortable as they grow more independent in the classroom setting too.

Tap into your Support Network

Connect with other working parents or colleagues who can offer advice and support. Sharing experiences with others in a similar situation can provide comfort, insight, and practical solutions to common challenges. Your child’s school leaders and teachers are also invaluable resources as you juggle the multiple responsibilities of being a working parent.

We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and supportive environment for your child's growth and development. By following these tips and collaborating with our experienced school leaders and teachers, we can support a smooth transition for you and your child that sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning and exploration. You’ve got this!