Taking your child to preschool for the first time can be as worrisome for you as it is for them. However, if your child is well prepared, the transition will be easier for you both. There are many simple ways you can start to prepare your child for preschool in the months and weeks leading up to their start.
Take a look at these tips for what to do when you know preschool is looming.
Take a Visit Together
Arranging a visit to your child’s preschool is a great way for you both to take a first step. It will give you an opportunity to explore your child’s environment and talk to caregivers. It will give your child an opportunity to get used to their new environment and maybe even make a friend.
The importance of this is the environment won’t be completely new when your child starts. Your child will see it as somewhere familiar which will make it easier to separate from you when the time comes.
Think About Sleep
Many children who start preschool are still taking naps. This isn’t usually a problem but you may want to train your child to take a nap at a different time of day to fit in with the preschool schedule. For instance, if your child attends preschool in the morning and is home during the afternoon, the afternoon is the best time for your child’s nap.
Some parents worry that their child should have outgrown naps before starting preschool but all children develop at different rates. If you’re worried, look at- When Do Toddlers Stop Napping: Signs To Watch For.
Role Play At Home
Before your child starts preschool, it can help to do some role play at home. Play teacher and student and do some typical preschool activities together. For instance, drawing or coloring and having a healthy snack.
You can role reverse and let your child play the teacher too. This will help your child understand what happens at preschool and what might be expected of them.
Get Into Routine
Preschoolers aren’t known for their speed when it comes to getting ready on time. You’ll be surprised at how adamant a toddler can be when they want to zip up their own coat. Starting a routine early can help your preschooler understand what to do to get ready for school.
Practice getting out of the door on time and do the trip to preschool in your car. When you arrive, head to the park or get an ice cream so your child connects getting ready with something positive.
You might also want to practice leaving your children with others so they get comfortable with you not being around. For example, services like Care.com can provide caregivers when you need to get back to work or expose their children to an experience without you for the first time.
Listen To Your Child
A big part of joining a preschool and developing well is being able to communicate feelings. If your child communicates well, it’s worth talking about how they feel about starting preschool. You may find your child has no worries at all.
However, more commonly, children tend to express feelings of fear and separation anxiety. This is totally normal and you can support your child through this by talking about your own experiences, leading by example, and reassuring your child that they will be safe and you will always come back.
Turn Things Into a Game
If you see that your child may struggle to separate from you, start making everything fun. Have a race to see who can get dressed the quickest in the morning. See who can spot the most bugs on the walk into preschool.
Ask your child to draw you a picture while at preschool and you draw one too- when it’s time to come home, compare the pictures. These games are a distraction technique so your child can’t build up worry or anxiety each time they go to preschool.
Goodbye Plan
Goodbyes are tough for preschoolers and parents alike. In many cases, the longer goodbye takes, the harder it becomes to walk away without your child getting upset. Set your goodbye routine with your child by giving them a kiss, saying goodbye and walking away.
If your child struggles with goodbyes, ask the caregivers for support. As your child gets used to preschool you may need their help to steer your child in the right direction or carry your child in. As your child gains confidence, goodbyes will become much easier.
The best way to prepare your child for preschool is to offer your constant love and support until they feel safe and secure in their new environment. If this article has helped you, why not take a look at the rest?