"Mummy, don't go."

As you drive away, the questions begin.

Did I make the right decision?

Will they stop crying?

Will someone comfort them?

If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone.

One of the biggest misconceptions about childcare is that a child's tears tell you whether you've chosen the right childcare centre.

They don't.

In most cases, the answer is no. A child's tears at drop-off are often a normal response to change—not a sign that you've chosen the wrong childcare centre.

Children cry for many reasons: a new environment, unfamiliar faces, a change in routine, or simply because they're separating from someone they love.

Instead of asking, "Did my child cry?", ask yourself this:

What happened after my child cried?

A quality childcare centre doesn't ignore emotions or rush children through them. Caring professionals acknowledge a child's feelings, offer comfort and reassurance, and gently help them settle into a safe and engaging routine.

That's one of the clearest signs that your child is in capable hands.