How to Prepare for Your First Visit to Kids Zone

Some children may feel comfortable immediately in Kids Zone, and other children may need some time to adjust.  Before your first visit, we recommend the following: 

• Walk by the space with your child and peek in the windows.  Ask your child some open-ended questions like, "What looks fun?" and  "What do you hear and see?"  Point out kids their age engaged with other kids and Y staff.   

• Talk about visiting Kids Zone at home and get them excited for their first visit. 

On your first visit(s), we recommend the following: 

• Plan to spend at least five minutes with your child getting acclimated before dropping them in for the first visit(s).

• If the child has a blanket, pacifier, or stuffed animal, we encourage you to bring it to allow for something of comfort from home.  

• Try to come as often as your schedule allows and plan to leave your child for 15-20 minutes at first, and then pick them up. They will relax more each time knowing that their adults really do come pick them up and they will get to know the other children and Y staff.  

• As your child becomes more comfortable, extend the time and try just checking in with the staff at the 20-minute mark. The staff will work with families to help this go as smoothly as possible. 

• It is best to bring your unsure child at a slower, quieter time of the day. 

• If more adjustments are still needed, we can invite the adult to come play with the child. However, adults may not interact with other member’s children unless cleared through our volunteer process.