Adptation process
Adaptation process tailored to the individual needs of the child and parent
At our nursery, we understand that the adaptation process is more than just the physical adaptation of a child to a new environment. It is an emotional moment for both the child and the parents. As Gordon Neufeld points out, a child's most important need is to feel a sense of belonging and closeness with adults who provide security. When a child cries or resists going to the nursery, it is an expression of a deep bond with the parent and fear of separation.
Safety of the child as the basis of adaptation
Children who feel safe around their parents are naturally afraid of losing this closeness, which is why they react so strongly. Parents often misinterpret these reactions as deliberate “resistance.” The parent's frustration, fatigue and sometimes anger compound these difficult moments. Neufeld explains that the key to understanding a child's emotions is to know that their crying and resistance are signs of love as well as longing.
Support for children and parents during adaptation
Our individual adaptation program was created to support both children and parents in this emotional process. We realize how difficult the first days in a new place can be, so we enable parents to accompany their child during the initial days in the nursery. This allows the child to gradually become accustomed to the new environment and build a bond with the caregivers, which alleviates separation anxiety. According to Neufeld's philosophy, a child first needs to feel secure in a relationship with an adult in order to freely explore a new environment.
Cooperation with parents as key to adaptation success
We conclude that close cooperation between the nursery and parents, based on mutual understanding and trust, is the key to successful adaptation. Parents play a key role in adaptation, and understanding their own and their child's emotions helps them respond better in difficult moments. Instead of expressing anger, parents can support the child by reassuring him or her that the separation is temporary, that they will come back for him or her, and that the nursery is a place where he or she will be cared for and supported. Words such as: “I understand that you miss me, but I'll come back for you and we'll spend a nice time together,” help the child understand that his feelings are important and that the bond with the parent is not broken.
Individual approach and adaptation of the pace of adaptation
We adapt the pace of adaptation to the individual needs of each child, because we believe that building strong bonds is the basis for further development. Therefore, in our nursery we devote a lot of time to each child, helping him or her to get to know the new environment in an atmosphere of understanding and calm. Such a process of adaptation makes the child confident that he can always count on the support of adults. Thanks to this, the toddler gradually opens up to new experiences and begins to enjoy exploring the world in a safe, caring environment.
