Davey Day Care
Support for Parents
Parenting is an incredible journey filled with joy and the rewarding experience of watching your child grow and develop. However, it also comes with its challenges. Here, you'll find helpful links and support for common parenting struggles.
If you're facing any specific difficulties with your child, please don’t hesitate to speak with their key worker. We are committed to supporting you and your child in any way we can, whether it’s related to their development, routines, or general home life.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes can be challenging for both children and parents for a variety of reasons. Your child might be a picky eater, struggle to sit still at the table, or simply refuse to eat what’s served. These difficulties can lead to frustration, stress, and even tension during family meals. However, with patience, consistency, and a positive approach, mealtimes can become enjoyable, relaxed, and an opportunity for connection. By creating a structured routine, encouraging healthy eating habits, and making mealtime engaging, parents can help their children develop a positive relationship with food while fostering good table manners and family bonding. Below are some links with help and advice to improve meal times for the whole family.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most common challenges parents face with babies and young children. When your little one struggles to sleep, it often means you’re not getting enough rest either. This lack of sleep can quickly lead to exhaustion, increased stress, frustration, and feeling short-tempered, making everyday parenting tasks even more difficult. Sleep deprivation can also impact your child’s mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm sleep environment, and understanding your child’s sleep patterns can help promote better rest for both you and your child, leading to a happier, healthier family life.
Below are some links with help and advice for sleep with your baby or child.
Toilet Training
Potty training is a significant milestone, and every child progresses at their own pace. It’s essential to avoid comparing your child’s progress to others, as each child is unique and will be ready in their own time. Patience, encouragement, and a positive approach can make the process smoother for both you and your child. There are various potty training methods, and what works well for one child may not be effective for another. You may need to try different strategies, such as scheduled potty breaks, reward systems, or using training pants, to see what suits your child best. Staying calm, offering praise for small successes, and being prepared for setbacks will help build your child’s confidence and make potty training a more positive experience.
Below are some links which may help with the toilet training process.
Anger and Tantrums
Young children and toddlers experience intense emotions but are still learning how to understand, express, and regulate their feelings. As they navigate this process, it’s common for them to have emotional outbursts, such as tantrums, hitting, stomping, or shouting. These behaviors, while challenging for parents, are a normal part of childhood development and indicate that your child is doing exactly what they are supposed to—exploring emotions and testing boundaries.
While it can be frustrating to deal with these behaviors (especially in the heat of the moment!) responding with patience and guidance can help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms. Acknowledging their feelings, setting clear and consistent boundaries, and teaching them appropriate ways to express frustration—like using words, taking deep breaths, or engaging in a calming activity—can make a big difference over time. By offering support rather than punishment, you can help your child build emotional resilience and learn how to manage their emotions in a positive way.
Below are some links that may help with coping with strong emotions.
Dummy and Bottle
Dummies and bottles can be incredibly useful tools for soothing babies and providing them with a sense of comfort and security. They often help little ones settle for sleep, self-soothe during moments of distress, and feel reassured in unfamiliar situations. However, when parents decide it’s time to wean their child off a pacifier or bottle, the transition can be challenging.
Children often form strong attachments to these comfort items, and removing them may lead to resistance, frustration, or temporary sleep disruptions. The process requires patience, consistency, and a gentle approach. Gradual weaning—such as limiting use to certain times, offering alternative comfort objects, or introducing a reward system—can help ease the transition. Every child is different, so finding the right method and timing that works best for your little one can make the experience smoother for both of you. Remember, while it may be a difficult adjustment at first, with reassurance and encouragement, your child will eventually adapt to the change.
Below are some links that may help with the transition.
Weaning
Weaning is a significant milestone in your baby’s development—an exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking experience for parents. Introducing your little one to solid foods can be a joyful journey, filled with adorable moments as they explore new flavors and textures. It’s heart-warming to watch their reactions—whether it's delight or a funny grimace as they taste something unfamiliar!
However, this transition can also come with its challenges and concerns. As babies learn to eat, they must develop the ability to chew and swallow properly. During this process, gagging is a common and natural reflex that helps them manage food safely. While it can be alarming to witness, it’s crucial for parents to understand the difference between gagging and choking to ensure their baby’s safety while fostering confidence in their eating abilities.
To support you through this journey, we’ve compiled a selection of helpful articles that provide expert advice, practical tips, and reassurance for a smooth and stress-free weaning experience.
New Sibling/Sibling Rivalry
Welcoming a new baby into the family is an exciting and transformative experience, but it also brings significant changes for everyone involved. While parents are adjusting to life with a newborn, older siblings may struggle with the shift in family dynamics. Suddenly, they have to share not only their parents' attention but also their space, toys, and daily routines.
It’s natural for children to experience a mix of emotions when a new sibling arrives. While they may be excited and loving toward their new brother or sister, they can also feel a sense of jealousy, frustration, or even resentment. The sudden change in attention can leave them feeling overlooked or less important, which may lead to behaviors such as clinginess, acting out, or seeking reassurance.
Sibling rivalry is a common part of growing up and can occur at any stage of childhood—and even into adulthood. It’s not just about welcoming a new baby; competition, disagreements, and feelings of comparison can arise as siblings grow and navigate their relationships. However, with patience, understanding, and the right support, parents can help ease the transition and foster a strong, loving bond between their children.
Below are some links that may help with the transition/issue.
Separation Anxiety
It is completely natural for children to feel anxious when separated from their parents, especially when entering a new and unfamiliar environment, such as starting nursery. For many young children, their home and family provide a sense of security and comfort, and stepping into a world filled with unfamiliar faces, routines, and surroundings can feel overwhelming.
Separation anxiety is a normal part of development, and many children experience it to some degree. The uncertainty of being away from their primary caregivers can lead to clinginess, tears, or distress, making drop-offs an emotional experience for both children and parents. However, with patience, reassurance, and a gradual adjustment period, most children begin to feel more comfortable and secure in their new environment.
Establishing a consistent routine, offering comforting words, and maintaining a calm and positive attitude can help ease the transition. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings while gently encouraging independence. Over time, as they form bonds with caregivers and become familiar with their new surroundings, their confidence will grow, and their anxiety will lessen. Before long, your child will adapt to spending time apart, engaging in new experiences, and building friendships, making the transition much smoother for everyone involved.
Here are some helpful links providing information, guidance, and advice on managing separation anxiety.
Getting School Ready
Starting school is a major milestone in a child's life—an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and social development. While preschool can help ease this transition, the structure and expectations of school are quite different, often requiring children to adapt to more routine-based learning and new social dynamics.
The shift from a familiar preschool environment to a more structured school setting can be challenging, but with the right preparation, parents can help their children feel more confident and ready for this big change. Establishing routines, encouraging independence and introducing basic skills such as following instructions, socialising with peers, and managing emotions can all contribute to a smoother transition.
Here are some helpful links to support parents in making the school transition smoother for their child.
