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# Seeking a smooth transition
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/seeking-a-smooth-transition/
- Published: 2006-01-10T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T22:58:38.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Malibu, #archive-import

Dear Dorie, I am getting ready to go back to work after being home for about a year and a half. I’m very worried about my daughter being able to handle my absence. Any suggestions? — Trying a Transition Dear Trying, About 62 percent of families in this country have two working parents. Most, like you, spend some time home with their child and then transition back to the workforce. Lucky for all of us, today’s child care centers handle transition better than ever.

I’m assuming you have already picked out your licensed facility. The next step is to contact the director and schedule some transition days. This will probably mean a few hours on a few different days spent at the center with your child. Then a few short days without you prior to a full day of care.

A good staff will be supportive of transition objects like blankets or stuffed animals. They also will have a transition plan of their own according to their program philosophy. Experience the work for a few weeks before making any critical decisions. My hunch is that you and your daughter will be just fine. Good luck. — Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 10, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/011006.pdf?ref=smdp.com)