Susan: Hello Eliza. Hello Hilda. How are you both today?
Hilda: We're okay.
Susan: It's okay to feel worried about leaving Eliza here, it's a hard thing to do when you're used to being able to care for her all the time. We'll take very good care of her, and once she's got used to the place, she'll feel happier about coming here.
Eliza, do you like playing with blocks? We have lots of different coloured blocks here. I remember that you liked them last time you came to visit us. Hilda, why don't you bring Eliza over to the block corner and we can all play with them together.
Susan: Which blocks do you like the most Eliza? (Eliza points towards a red square block). Red is a great colour. Which blocks does your mum like best?
Hilda: (Pointing towards a blue circular block). These ones are my favourite.
Susan: Let's use all of these blocks to make something. (All three play with the blocks together).
Susan: Hilda, does Eliza usually have meals at regular times?
Hilda: Well, she has breakfast about 6.00 am most mornings, then she usually likes to have a snack about 10.00 am and is ready for lunch around 12.00 pm. I usually give her a snack during the afternoon, some fruit or yoghurt, she likes those and then we usually feed her dinner about 6.00 pm.
Susan: And does she usually nap during the afternoon?
Hilda: Yes, she likes to sleep after lunch, usually for about two hours, then she's up and full of energy again. She likes to have her blanket to sleep with, she calls it 'banky' and she usually gets read a story before she goes to sleep at home.
Susan: Great. That will help us a lot. We'll do our best to try and keep Eliza's routine as similar as we can to what she's used to at home. This will help her settle in quickly and help to minimise any distress she may have about being separated from you.
Hilda: Well, it looks like Eliza is settling in well now. She seems quite happy playing here. I should probably get going.
Hilda: (Leans down and gives Eliza a big hug and kiss). Eliza, honey, mummy has to go to work now. I'll be back this afternoon to pick you up and hear all about your lovely time at day care.
Eliza starts to cry and reaches towards her mother.
Susan: You don't like being away from your Mummy, do you? You miss her. Let's wave her off. Goodbye.
(Susan brings Eliza back to the block corner, and sits her on her lap).
Susan: Show me what you were making with the blocks, Eliza.