At the start, placing your loved ones with new carers may be upsetting. Expect this – it’s normal and it will get easier.

Don’t make your first day at work the first day your child or other family member spends with their care worker. Try to start the new arrangements as early as possible and at least two weeks before your first day at the new job.

Review the suggested steps in Arranging care.

By the time you start your new job, both you and your child or family member should be more settled and comfortable being away from each other for the length of your shift or working day. 

Tips for your child's first day in care

• settle your child in quickly
• stay for a little while and help your child settle into an activity
• when it’s time for you to go, let your child know you’re leaving and remind them that you’ll be back to get them or see them at home if someone else is picking them up
• keep the goodbyes short
• if you’re at all worried, call the carer during the day to check in on your child

Chat regularly with the carer to see how your child is going. Take some time when you pick them up or return home to allow your child to show you what they’ve done during their time in care. If your child is old enough, share your day with your child and encourage them to talk about their day.

Outside school hours care

Many primary-aged children want to go into before or after school care. They see their friends doing exciting activities and want to be involved. So, day one of your child in outside school hours care should be easier.

Find out what your child needs to bring to the care service. 

Their day can be long, so there may be a few tantrums from younger children due to over-tiredness. Talk to the care provider to see what they can do to help your child have some quiet time.

Settling adults into a care service

As you help them get ready, talk about the benefits of attending this service or of an expert carer looking after them and address any of the fears they may be expressing. Keep in contact with the carer to check on how they’re going.

If your family member is being placed in long-term care, establish protocols around visits and updates on their progress with the service provider.

Everyone has bad days

Both adults and children will have bad days. Expect this and discuss what's going on with them and their carers.

If problems persist you might find it necessary to look for another service more suited to their needs.