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Few things hurt a dad's heart more than dropping a toddler off at day care for the first time and watching them bawl their eyes out as you leave. The look on their face almost makes you want to run back and hold them until they stop crying. But that's the last thing you want to do if you want to encourage your toddler to feel comfortable about you leaving. By following these tips, you can learn how to deal with dropping your toddler off in a way that is productive for both of you. After a few days, they might not even want you to come pick them up at the end of the day!

1. Don't let your toddler see you sweat - Children are extremely perceptive. Sometimes, they can be too perceptive. If they see you shed a tear (yes, dads shed tears, too) or if they see anxiety in your face when you drop them off at daycare, they are going to feel the same way. But if you can make yourself calm and have a happy face when you drop them off, they will likely be more comfortable about you leaving. When you get back to your car and out of sight, you can let the waterworks flow as much as you want. Just don't let your toddler see it.
   
   
2. Misery loves company - One thing that will help your toddler feel better about being dropped off at daycare is having one of their friends along for the ride. If there are toddlers in your neighborhood that are going to the same daycare, try to coordinate with their parents to drop off your toddlers at the same time. When children have a friend next to them, the experience will be more fun for them. This will also help you to have another dad alongside, especially if you're both dropping your toddlers off for the first time. It's amazing how many similarities there are between toddlers and adults, isn't it?
   
   
3. Bring along a comfort or security item - A special teddy bear or security blanket might help your toddler feel better about being away from mommy and daddy. It gives them something familiar in a sea of unfamiliarity and new things. And since toddlers often transfer the feelings they have for their parents to one of these items, they typically feel much more comfortable when their parents are no longer in their sight.
   
   
4. Don't be ashamed for being upset - As a dad, there's nothing wrong with being upset when you drop your toddler off for the first time. These feelings might even last for the for first couple weeks. But you will get over it and feel comfortable with the situation over time. Continue to be strong and calm. Before you know it, you might even look forward to the time when you can drop your toddler off at daycare each day.
   
   
5. Prepare your toddler beforehand - If your toddler knows what to expect, they might not be filled with anxiety when you drop them off. You can even get your toddler excited about their first day of daycare by driving by the building and showing it to them the day before. Take them shopping for fun school supplies and clothes that same day, too. Also, talk about how daycare is for "big boys" or "big girls" so they feel like they're growing up. Even though we don't want them to grow up any sooner than they have to, that's the first thing on their list of priorities.
   
   
6. Go to the open house or orientation - Many daycare facilities will have an orientation or open house for first-timers. Dads can bring their toddlers for a tour and they can meet the daycare providers as well. This gives the entire family more familiarity with what happens at the facility. When the setting isn't so new, your toddler won't feel as threatened or sad when you leave.

There's nothing wrong with feeling sad about dropping your toddler off at daycare for the first time. But there are some things you can do to lessen the emotions you and your toddler feel when that time comes. The best way is to prepare your toddler because the more they cry, the more you're going to cry or show anxiety. The most important thing to remember, though, is that these feelings are normal and they will pass. It just takes some time.