How to choose the nursery
For parents, choosing and starting to take their child to daycare is a radical change, which requires not only time and attention to identify the right place, comparing the options in the area, but also a profound reflection within the couple and with themselves: is it really the right time? Will the child be ready for this change? Will I be ready to part with him? But let's put aside the understandable parental perplexities for a moment, because the real point is another: going to the nursery represents a big step first and foremost for the child.
The first entry into the company
How many meanings are enclosed in this key passage in the life of the child: the first experience in an extra-family context (because the babysitter tends to come to the house), and
moreover without mum and dad; the first experience of serial detachment, because you go to kindergarten every day, or almost, not to mention the fact that
the child is introduced into a social context: in kindergarten there are many other children like him, which allows for discussions among equals and, over time, even forging friendships without the mediation of mum and dad. But parents don't just disappear, this
is good to repeat over and over again , to convey security to their child:
«We take you to play here because it's a safe place, you'll have fun and we'll think about you all the time. We'll be back to get you very soon." Precisely the fact of taking him by the hand into this new world, of reassuring him and gently telling him what will happen, is a guarantee for him that he will be able to feel good here even on his own. For many children this is enough, and entering the nursery proves to be quite easy: they are won over by the other little guests, by the colours, by the games available, by the affectionate enthusiasm of the educators. Other times, the passage is more complex: emotions in turmoil due to the novelty, the detachment, the fear of being left without the reference figure. Everything is normal, and must be faced with serenity. Indeed, the more parents are confident, the more obstacles will be overcome with simplicity, together.
When to start kindergarten?
In Italy, public and private nurseries welcome children from 3 months to 3 years. There are also alternative educational support services for early childhood – nursery school, family nursery (or Tagesmutter or home nursery school), company nursery school, babyparking, spring section, integrated nursery school… – each with its own rules regarding the number of guests and the age of first entry. That said, every family wishing to send their child to nursery school (or kindergarten) can independently choose when to do so. In this, however, the opinion of the experts varies: some child psychologists believe that only from 12-18 months the child is able to face detachment positively, to adapt to new things and to socialize; others propose even 2 years for only children. Of the opposite opinion are many educators, who experiment in the field the ability of the little ones to integrate into a new context, finding that, in many cases, already at 6-8 months they prove to be 'ready'. As always, there is no universally valid rule: every child is different and has their own times. But beyond the age of entry, the nursery school is generally recognized as a place in which to learn to be with peers, to respect them and to share: a space of opportunity to develop social skills, receive stimuli and interact with others.
Which nursery to choose?
The premise is that every family should have the right to access a quality educational service for early childhood. It is true, however, that the offer on the territory is far from uniform, with even significant differences between one region and another regarding the quantity and type of structures and, above all, with respect to the expenditure incurred by the municipalities to promote the service. With not indifferent repercussions on the choice of families. That said, the first step is to find out about the options in your area and then evaluate their characteristics with respect to the peculiarities of your child, his education and the needs of the family. Surely, going to daycare shouldn't be a source of stress, but an opportunity for growth.
Taken from Born Mom | by Nora Cinaschi
