Skip to content
Blog & Videos
Returning to childcare after holidays, illness, or extended time at home can bring big emotions for little people. Even children who were previously settled and confident may suddenly cling tighter at drop-off, become emotional when saying goodbye, or feel unsure about returning to their usual routine.
For parents, it can be just as emotional.
The good news is that separation anxiety is a completely normal part of childhood development. With patience, consistency, and the right support, most children settle back into childcare routines beautifully over time.
At Clovel Childcare, we understand that every child adjusts differently. Some bounce back quickly, while others need a little more reassurance and connection during transitions. What matters most is creating a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe, secure, and understood.
Young children thrive on familiarity and routine. After spending extra time at home with parents, carers, siblings, or grandparents, returning to childcare can feel like a big shift emotionally.
Changes in routine can temporarily unsettle children because:
It is also important to remember that separation anxiety can happen at many ages, not just during a child’s first weeks in care.
A toddler who previously loved childcare may suddenly struggle after holidays or family changes, while younger babies may simply need extra reassurance as they settle back into familiar rhythms.
Every child expresses emotions differently, but some common signs include:
These reactions are often temporary and improve as children rebuild confidence in their routine.
Children are incredibly responsive to the emotional tone around them. Speaking positively and calmly about childcare can help create reassurance and familiarity.
Simple phrases like:
Can help children feel more secure and confident.
Try to avoid long emotional goodbyes or language that may unintentionally increase worry, such as “I’ll miss you so much” or “Don’t be sad”.
Returning to consistent sleep schedules, mealtimes, and morning routines before childcare resumes can make transitions feel smoother and more predictable.
Children feel safer when they know what to expect.
Creating a calm and unhurried morning routine may help reduce stress for both children and parents.
This could include:
Even small routines can create a strong sense of security.
It is completely natural to want to comfort your child when they are upset. However, long or uncertain goodbyes can sometimes make transitions harder.
A short, confident goodbye often helps children settle more quickly.
Try:
While it can feel difficult in the moment, many children settle shortly after parents leave.
Strong communication between families and educators makes a big difference during transition periods.
Sharing information about your child’s emotions, routines, sleep, or recent changes at home helps educators provide personalised support throughout the day.
At Clovel Childcare, our educators take the time to build trusting relationships with every child and family. We understand that emotional wellbeing is just as important as learning and development, especially during periods of change.
Some children settle back into childcare within a day or two, while others may need several weeks to fully readjust.
Progress is rarely perfectly linear.
There may be easier mornings followed by more emotional days, and that is completely normal. What matters most is consistency, reassurance, and allowing children space to process their feelings safely.
Over time, children rebuild confidence through predictable routines, supportive relationships, and positive experiences in their learning environment.
Separation anxiety does not just affect children. Parents often experience guilt, worry, or uncertainty during drop-offs too.
If you are finding the transition difficult, you are not alone.
Trusting your childcare team, maintaining consistent routines, and remembering that emotional responses are developmentally normal can help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Children are incredibly resilient, and with the right support, they usually adapt far quicker than we expect.
Returning to childcare after time away is a big adjustment, but it is also an opportunity for children to reconnect with friendships, routines, learning, and independence.
With patience, reassurance, and nurturing support, separation anxiety typically becomes easier with time.
At Clovel Childcare, we are committed to creating warm, supportive environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident as they grow, learn, and settle into each day at their own pace.
Lyn Connolly is the Founder and Company Director of Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centres, a family‑owned group of eight centres across Western Sydney established from her first service at Merrylands. Active in early childhood education since 1977, she also serves as President of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW, representing providers in state and federal consultations, media, and public hearings.
Choosing your child’s childcare and early learning centre is one of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make for your child. If you have more questions for us or would like to book a tour of one of our centres, please fill out our form and we’ll be in touch!
Join our Clovel newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news, blogs, tips & advice or follow us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.