What toy should a two-year-old girl take with her when she starts daycare?
A soft toy she loves can become part of a short goodbye that looks the same every morning. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls these favorite things transitional objects and says there is no reason to keep a child from using one. If she does not have one yet, you may want to help her choose one, and let her give it a name.
Ellie and Ben go through pediatrician Wendy Sue Swanson's drop-off tips: a quick goodbye ritual with a special blanket or toy, the same routine every day, telling your child when you will be back in words she understands, not going back in, and practicing before the first day. They also talk about a toy that travels on her backpack, checking the age on the label, and what to do if the daycare keeps toys out of the classroom.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics — Transitional Objects: Security Blankets & Beyond: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Transitional-Objects.aspx
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, FAAP — How to Ease Your Child's Separation Anxiety: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx
Read more: https://naturally-kids.com/blogs/news/best-toys-2-year-old-girl-starting-daycare
Whys & Finds is made by Naturally KIDS.
This episode uses AI-generated voices for both hosts.
