Nursery worker shares most inconvenient things parents can do when dropping kids off

When a child starts nursery or daycare, it's likely just as much of an adjustment on the parent as it is on them.

It comes with a new routine, as well as a new set of rules and checklists to follow. However, some parents may be unknowingly putting daycare workers at a disadvantage, making their working day more difficult and even hampering the learning of children. One nursery staff member has shared some of the most annoying things parents can do when dropping their little ones off. Speaking to The Sun, Sharon Birch, the owner and founder of Footprints Learning for Life nursery in Hartlepool, UK, outlined some of the distracting and annoying parental habits which should be avoided.

Wearing Pyjamas at Drop-Off

Sharon firstly acknowledges that sometimes getting the kids dressed and out the door takes precedence over a parent getting ready. However, she says this can actually have a negative impact for both parents and children. "It’s not a good look and not a good habit, and [wearing pjs] does nothing for self-respect and self-esteem. "We do understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, so we’d rather your child attended nursery than not." She adds that 'organisation' is key, and having clothes ready for the morning for all parties should be a priority. "If you’re in too much of a rush to change your clothes, provide daytime clothing and we’ll change your child the minute they are through the door."

Being Late

This one kind of comes hand-in-hand with organisation. Being late is just part of life at times, something which Sharon recognises. However, it impacts staff and the child who arrives late to the point where they may spend the rest of the day playing catch-up. "If your child is late they miss part of the session and it puts them out for the rest of the day if they feel they’ve been rushed or have missed something," she says.

Not Providing a Spare Change of Clothes

While it's likely that most parents provide copious amounts of spare clothing, as well as nappies, wipes, formula milk, and so on, some may not be aware that this responsibility falls on them. "Nursery is all about messy play, enjoying activities like painting, gloop, mud, sand, water, and going outside in all weathers - no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing," Sharon says. "Please don’t forget comforters like dummies and blankies, those important things that help soothe your child, especially at sleep time."

Not Checking Your Child's Bag

This one follows on from not providing a spare change of clothes. Similarly, not checking your child's bag can result in inconvenience and stress for staff - especially if the contents are wet or dirty. Things from home can also often make their way into the bags of kids and failure to check before their day in nursery can make for awkward, stressful, and even embarrassing outcomes for staff.

Staying to Gossip

Similarly, hanging around to have a gossip with other parents, or even nursery staff, is also something Sharon strongly urges against. Instead, if a parent has a concern or something that's sensitive, they should talk to the manager about them. "We are compassionate, sensitive and understanding. We can help. But we won’t gossip." [caption id="attachment_435714" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Getty[/caption]

Sneaking Out

Sneaking out while your child isn't looking is also not something nursery staff recommend. And while lingering is also something to avoid, you should ensure to say goodbye to your child before leaving. "Children look to see if their parent has left and when they notice, fear that you’ve gone is reinforced.

Not Mentioning When Your Child In Sick

Look, kids get sick. It's a fact of life. They're being exposed to a lot of viruses and bacteria, often for the very first time. This makes them vulnerable to catching everything. However, Sharon says staff hate it when parents don't tell their kid's daycare of their illness. It can create problems as there are tight controls in nurseries for medicine administration, as well your child suffering if staff are unaware of when and what to give them. "We understand parents have busy schedules, but it’s important to let us know if your child has been out of sorts," she says.

Not Informing Staff Of Who Is Picking Them Up

It's always best to make staff aware if someone new is coming to pick up your child from nursery as there are safety protocols in place that need to be adhered to. This could see staff preventing your child leaving, which is an inconvenience for everyone involved. "We have passwords and additional security like CCTV and fingerprints systems but we know sometimes someone else may need to collect your child.

Sweets

Sharon urges parents to avoid bribing their kids with sweets when dropping them off at nursery. The sweets may help the child do what the parent wants by going to daycare, but it can create a host of other issues for staff and possibly other children if they have allergies. "Sweeties or comfort food early in the morning can be used as a bribe, but this means your child won’t eat breakfast when they come to nursery and will cling onto their sweets, or chocolate or whatever they’ve been coerced with. " "If you’re late and missed breakfast, don’t worry, have a quiet word with the nursery nurse and we’ll provide something appropriate. It’s really not a bother and we’d rather provide fruit or cereal than a sugar high," Sharon adds. [caption id="attachment_435713" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Getty[/caption]

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