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Sick Days and Daycare: What to Do (and How to Make Returning Easier)


Sick days are one of the hardest parts of childcare, especially in the first year. When your child is home, routines break, sleep gets messy, and returning to daycare can feel like “starting over.”


If your family is navigating sick days at a daycare in Ann Arbor, here are practical steps to make the time at home smoother and make the return to school easier for your child (and you).


1. Expect more sick days during the first months


It’s common for kids to catch more colds early on as their immune system builds experience with new germs. This usually improves over time, but in the beginning it can feel nonstop.


The key is planning for it without feeling like something is “wrong.”


2. Keep a “sick day routine” (even if it’s simple)


When kids are home sick, everything can become unpredictable. A loose routine can help reduce stress:

  • Easy breakfast + water

  • Quiet play / books

  • Rest window

  • Simple lunch

  • Calm afternoon

  • Early bedtime if needed


Even a gentle structure helps toddlers feel safer when they don’t feel good.


3. Pack your “return-to-daycare reset” the night before


Returning can feel emotional because your child got used to being with you again.


The night before, do a quick reset:

  • Restock extra clothes and comfort items

  • Prep a simple morning (clothes ready, bag ready)

  • Talk about what will happen tomorrow in 1–2 sentences



4. Use a calm script for the return


When kids are returning after being home, they may be clingier.

Try:

  • “You’re feeling unsure. That makes sense.”

  • “You’re safe. I’ll be back after snack.”

  • “We’re going back to school today. Ms. ___ will help you.”


Then keep the goodbye routine short and consistent. This pairs well with: Separation Anxiety at Drop-Off: Gentle Strategies That Actually Help.


5. Communicate with your daycare team (briefly, clearly)


It helps to share:

  • What symptoms your child had

  • Whether sleep or appetite was off

  • Anything that might affect the day (extra tired, new medication timing, etc.)


If your program has a central place for expectations and policies, it’s often captured on Info for Parents.


6. Watch for “re-entry” big feelings


After time at home, it’s normal to see:

  • Drop-off tears again

  • Extra meltdowns after pickup

  • Sleep shifts for a day or two


Most children re-stabilize quickly when routines return.


If the adjustment feels bigger than expected, this is a good check-in post: The First Two Weeks of Daycare: What’s Normal (and When to Worry).


Sick days are tough, but you’re building resilience


Childcare transitions, illness, and returning to routine are all part of early childhood. With predictable routines and supportive communication, most families find their rhythm.


At Squiggle Room, we support children through transitions with calm routines and nurturing care. If you’re exploring a daycare in Ann Arbor, visit our site to learn about our Programs and schedule a tour.


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