Headspace_logo_svg
Try for freeTry for free
MeditationPreparing for Handoff

Preparing for Handoff

Handing off a child to another caregiver can feel tough. Create space in the mind and body to let go, knowing they’ll be back with you soon. Brought to you by Care.com.

Try 14 days free
Share:

Better mental health starts with Headspace. Unrivaled expertise to make life feel a little easier, using guided meditations, mindfulness tips, focus tools, sleep support, and dedicated programs.

Try 14 days free
Better mental health starts with Headspace

The handoff, the moment we pass the care of someone vulnerable, like a child, to another caretaker can be one of the hardest moments. It's a mix of love, relief, and maybe even some guilt or anxiety, but it's also how we learn to release control and trust that what we've nurtured is ready to grow. This short practice is here to help you pause, study your breath, and create space in the mind and body to let go, even if it's just for a few moments, knowing that you'll be back soon ready to receive your loved one. So let's begin by taking a few deep breaths. And just noticing the body softening, even just a little. And then allowing your breath to return to its natural rhythm. And silently reminding and repeating to yourself, "It's okay to feel this way. It is hard to step away from those I love. And I'm learning to meet these moments with care and kindness." And just noticing how these words land in the mind and body. How does it feel to remind yourself of this? Does it create space? Does it feel tender or hard? However you are feeling is normal and human. So letting go of any judgment as best as you can. And taking one last deep breath here, feeling your feet grounded and your breath steady. Please come back to this practice as many times as you need. Take care....

Details

TypeMeditation
Duration2 min

About your teachers

  • Andy Puddicome
    Andy PuddicomeHeadspace Co-founder

    A former Buddhist monk, Andy has guided people in meditation and mindfulness for 20 years. In his mission to make these practices accessible to all, he co-created the Headspace app in 2010.

    More about Andy
  • Eve Lewis Prieto
    Eve Lewis PrietoHeadspace Director of Meditation

    Eve is a mindfulness teacher, overseeing Headspace’s meditation curriculum. She is passionate about sharing meditation to help others feel less stressed and experience more compassion in their lives.

    More about Eve
  • Dora Kamau
    Dora KamauMeditation Teacher

    As a meditation teacher, Dora encourages others to live, breathe, and be with the fullness of their experiences. She loves meditation’s power to create community and bring clarity to people’s minds.

    More about Dora
  • Kessonga Giscombe
    Kessonga GiscombeMeditation Teacher

    Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.

    More about Kessonga
  • Rosie Acosta
    Rosie AcostaMeditation Teacher

    Rosie Acosta has studied yoga and mindfulness for more than 20 years and taught for over a decade. Rosie’s mission is to help others overcome adversity and experience radical love.

    More about Rosie
Your lifelong guide to better mental health

Your lifelong guide to better mental health

Stress, sleep, and all the challenging emotions — care for your mind with the everyday mental health app that's shown to make a difference.

Try 14 days free
Look After Your Mind

Look after your mind

Proven guided meditations and programs to help you stress less, sleep more soundly, and better navigate life’s challenges

Science Backed

Science-backed

Studies show that using Headspace for 30 days can reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve overall well-being

Explore Content

Explore 1000+ 
expert-led exercises

Access our library of meditations, breathing exercises, and guidance videos for stress, sleep, focus, everyday anxiety , parenting, and more.

Frame 370079
Star 1
Star 2
Frame 370079 (2)
Frame 370346
Frame 370079 (1)

Members are enjoying happier and healthier lives

More to explore

Beginning Meditation

Explore-More-Icon-02

Reframe Stress and Relax

Explore-More-Icon-01

New and Popular

Explore-More-Icon-03

Becoming a Mindful Parent

Explore-More-Icon-04
  • Legals
    • Terms & conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Consumer Health Data
    • Your privacy choices
      Privacy Choices Icon
    • CA Privacy Notice
  • © 2026 Headspace Inc.
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Consumer Health Data
  • Your privacy choices
    Privacy Choices Icon
  • CA Privacy Notice