Toddlers are not fans of childcare. Being away from their parents can be stressful, so it isn’t unusual that they resort to tantrums and crying in order to avoid it. However, there is one simple hack that can make this experience much more bearable for both them and their parents.
In a viral video posted on TikTok, one mom from Australia, who goes by the handle @kate.n.h., showcased a childcare drop-off hack that she says has made her toddler hate the experience a lot less.
According to @kate.n.h., she and her daughter draw simple shapes, like hearts, stars, and smiley faces, on each other’s hands in order to “be connected throughout the day.”
While @kate.n.h. acknowledges that there are still some days when it’s hard to say goodbye, the simple gesture has helped a lot.
“It’s such a silly little gesture but some days it makes the world of difference,” the TikToker shared in the text inserted in the video.
The video got more than eight million views on TikTok, with other users praising the hack and sharing similar methods in the comments section.
“My mom used to kiss my hand with lips full of lipstick! The mark stayed with me through the day,” one user wrote.
Some users also compared it to the “kissing hand” technique, which sees moms kissing their kids’ palms and telling them to press it on their cheek anytime they feel anxious or homesick.