You’re doing great, grown-ups. If you want to reconnect with your child after work or daycare, start with one long hug at pickup.
Maybe you worked a double shift. Maybe dinner was cereal. Maybe you feel like you’re always rushing. Nana wants you to hear this: little ones don’t need perfect. They notice every hug, every smile and every “I missed you.”
What it means for your child
Hugs and hellos matter at every age. Here’s how children feel them.
- Babies: Your baby knows your voice, your smell and your arms. Holding them close at pickup tells them, “You’re home now.”
- Toddlers: They may run to you, or they may keep playing for a minute. Both happen. Kneel down, open your arms and give them a moment.
- Preschoolers: A special hello is a big deal at this age. Try a secret handshake, a silly wave or a big squeeze at the door.
- School-age kids: Big kids may act too cool for a hug in public. Offer a side hug or a fist bump, and save the big hug for the car.
Try this tonight
At your next pickup, try a ten-second hello. Here’s how.
- Before you walk in, take one slow breath and leave the workday at the door.
- Kneel to their eye level and give one long hug. Count to ten in your head.
- On the way home, ask one easy question, like “What made you laugh today?”
Words you can use
- “I’m so glad to see you.”
- “I missed you today.”
- “I love being your grown-up.”
At Nana’s Place
At Nana’s Place, we care for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old at two Glendale buildings, with day, evening and overnight care for families with all kinds of work schedules. Every pickup is a little reunion. If you’d like to see where those reunions happen, schedule a tour.
Questions parents ask
Why does my child fall apart at pickup?
Some children hold it together all day and let it out with the person they feel safest with. That’s you. Stay calm, give a hug and keep the ride home simple. Nana has more on this in Big feelings are welcome here.
I feel guilty about working long hours. Is that normal?
Lots of parents feel that way. Your child doesn’t need every hour of your day. They need the moments you share to feel warm: a hug, a story, a song in the car. Those add up.
So give yourself a little credit today, and a little kindness too. Kind words are like sunshine for grown-ups as well.
