“Hug, say 'I'll be back after snack,' and wave from the door. A sure goodbye beats a sneaky one.”
— Nana
A gentle goodbye helps your child feel safe—even when you’re gone.
Hi there, tired parent. I know mornings are busy and goodbyes feel heavy. But your little one remembers how you leave more than how long you stayed.
What it means for your child
Every child needs to know: You’ll come back.
- Babies: Hold them close, smile, say ‘I’ll be back,’ then walk away—quietly and calmly.
- Toddlers: Let them hug you, whisper ‘I love you,’ then wave from the door with a cheerful tone.
- Preschoolers: Give them a small ritual: a kiss on the palm, then ‘see you after snack’—they’ll hold that promise all morning.
- School-age kids: High-five, say ‘I’m proud of you,’ then wave from the doorway. They’ll remember your calm confidence.
Try this tonight
Tonight, plan a sweet goodbye for tomorrow morning.
- Practice saying ‘I’ll be back after snack’ out loud—say it like you mean it.
- Give a hug, then walk to the door without looking back—your calm helps them feel safe.
- Wave with a smile. Even if they cry, your steady goodbye teaches trust.
Words you can use
- “I’ll be back after snack.”
- “You’re safe here, and I love you.”
- “Wave? Good job! See you soon.”
At Nana’s Place
Nana's Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, with day, evening and overnight care at two buildings in Glendale. We'd love to meet your family. Book a tour.
Questions parents ask
Why is it better to say goodbye instead of sneaking out?
Sneaking away may seem easier, but kids feel abandoned when they realize you left without warning. A clear goodbye builds trust and helps them learn separations are temporary.
What if my child cries when I leave?
Crying is normal. Stay calm, say your phrase once, hug, then walk away. Our staff will comfort them—they know how to help children feel safe after goodbyes.
How do I prepare my child for daycare drop-offs?
Use the same words and routine every day. A simple ritual—hug, say ‘I’ll be back after snack,’ wave—makes the world feel predictable. Kids thrive on rhythm, not surprises.
