How to get your toddler (1-3yo) ready for daycare, according to a daycare teacher

Attention: I am aware that all kids have different needs and cognitive abilities. With each of these, all us daycare teachers want is for the parents to at least try. If it doesn't go well, then oh well.

1. Sitting while eating and drinking. Walking around with food or a sippy of water can be a choking hazard. Especially when the floor is a minefield of toys to trip over and your toddler isn't very good at walking yet.

2. Napping. Adjust your kid's sleep schedule to what they will experience in daycare to get them used to it. Maybe drag out a sleeping bag or a plush blanket to practice sleeping on a mat on the floor. Pillows are usually not allowed, having loveys and stuffies depends on the daycare.

3. Weaning off the pacifier. Those things can be hard to keep track of since they're so small, and honestly they aren't great for oral development.

4. Communication. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but it's great when a child can tell us simple phrases like "I need changed," "I need to go potty," "I'm tired/thirsty/hungry," and "I feel sick." Also, ways to communicate with other children like "Please stop," "I don't like that," "Want to play?," and "Can I have a turn?"

5. Blowing nose. I promise you, it's a great skill for toddlers to have especially in the colder months.

6. Putting on/taking off outerwear. Shoes, jackets, hats, and gloves.

7. Using a cup without a lid. On the same note, watching where their body is so they don't knock over their cup.

8. Cleaning up toys/simple spills like water/their place at the table for snack.

9. Handling toys and books without damaging them.

10. Simple art-related stuff, like coloring, painting, or sticking stuff on paper. The fine motor skills involved are great for the brain.

All of these skills will set your kid up for success at daycare. Any other skills I missed?