Forest Tale Daycare can frequently be the first place where parents leave their child under somebody else’s care. It’s easy to understand that questions and concerns could emerge amongst parents thinking about using this opportunity. Based on years of experience we collected the most frequently asked questions regarding the settling period.

What’s the first step if I want my child to go to Forest Tale Daycare (and start the settling period)?

We’re expecting children from 6 months old until 7 years old. The settling period is ongoing all year, it’s happening continuously after application and a parent consultation. Children who haven’t started attending an institution yet  (nursery, kindergarten) can start the settling period after a consultation. The consultation happens at a pre-arranged time with a teacher working at the daycare. Children already attending an institution could proceed with a consultation made on the phone as well. Applications for a consultation can be made on our online system.

How can we as parents support the settling period even before it starts?

It often happens that children first get to experience with us the absence of the people most important to them—who have been with them every moment until now. Their absence/disappearance can cause anxiety and fear, but with some preparation, separation can be easier for them.

It helps them if at home, you make sure not to disappear from their sight without a word. It’s also good to discuss in advance where you are going and when you will return. After coming back, it is important to show that you are happy to see them again, and to tell them what you did while you were away.

When the time comes for saying goodbye at Meseerdő you will first leave your child only for a short amount of time, so that they can experience the separation and learn that you always come back.

In addition to preparing for Meseerdő, it also reduces anxiety if you discuss what to expect here. Before arriving you can talk about what is going to happen: first you will play together for a little, then you will leave for a short time. You can emphasize that while you are gone they can play with many interesting toys and with other children, and you will return to them soon.

According to our experience, the settling process can run easier if you are already visiting the Belvárosi Közösségi Tér, for example spending time in the Hetedhét playroom or participating in other activities offered by the institution.

Who can accompany the children to daycare?

Anyone who is close to the child (parents, grandparents, guardians). It’s important to note that only one adult can be present in the Meseerdő room.

What does the settling process look like?

The first week goes the same for everyone: you come three times preferably on three consecutive days, each time you are here for one hour. The further schedule is individual, so it can differ from child to child. At the end of the third occasion you will receive feedback from the teachers working at Meseerdő.

During the first three sessions, the accompanying adult is also present in the room, staying in the background and participating as little as possible in their child’s (and the other children’s) play.

The primary goal is for the child to spend as much time as possible with the teachers inside, gradually separating from the parent. Usually the first weeks are often about lengthening the time they can spend in the Meseerdő room without the presence of the accompanying adult.

When’s a child considered successfully settled in?

Children are considered successfully settled in, if they can safely and comfortably let go of their accompanying adult, accept the presence of the teachers at the Forest Tale and can spend their time at the daycare happily and stably. They can be soothed by the teachers if they’re feeling blue and/or they’re crying.

What could halter the settling? What happens then?

If we aren’t seeing progress in a few weeks, together we discuss what we see, what could be behind an obstacle, in what area support is needed and is possible to give.

In most cases they happen to be in a sensible period during their psychosocial development, and experience separation anxiety when they are not near the person closest to them. This could make separation harder.

Usually we recommend taking a longer break in the settling process. As this period is principal in a parent-child relationship, it is important for the child to experience security and stability which will help them in the journey of exploring the world.

After the pre-discussed break and a previous consultation – if you’re deeming it appropriate – we can restart the settling period.