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Starting preschool can be a stressful experience for both children and parents. Moms and dads are worried about how their little ones will cope in a new environment, and kids are wondering how they will cope without their parents! Coming up are a few tips to help you and your child settle into preschool.
1. Prepare Yourselves
First, talk to your child about why he or she needs to start school. Your older kids can help sell the benefits of preschool to the younger one. Also, take your little one with you to visit the preschool, and maybe spend an hour or so there. If you have friends whose kids are already in preschool, get tips on how to prepare for the "dreaded" first day of school.
Be realistic about the first day of school. Things may not go as you expect, and your child may not want to go back the next day. If this happens, go easy on your little one. Settling in gets easier as the days go by.
2. Get organized
Do not wait until the last minute to get the uniform, water bottles, lunch boxes, labels and other requirements. If possible, pay the school fees early so that you are not harassed the day before school. Take your little one around as you do school-related errands, so that he or she feels like part of this new adventure. Also, don't forget to confirm school timings, so that you’re not late on the first day.
3. Set a Routine
School mornings can be quite hectic! Putting a routine in place avoids the bad mood that comes with the morning rush. Your child must sleep early so that he or she is well rested in the morning, making eating breakfast and changing clothes a fuss-free process. Pack the school bag the night before, and make sure that snacks and drinks are ready. When you plan your mornings well, you will experience fewer tears and more smiles.
4. Communicate
The first day I dropped off my daughter at preschool, I wished I could see how she was coping in the classroom. Thankfully, I had the head teacher's number, so I kept calling to find out how she was doing (poor head teacher)! At the end of the day, I eagerly asked my daughter questions about school, but she was too tired to answer them. I ended up calling the teacher to get the day's update!
Most teachers at the preschool level understand what parents go through, and are always willing to advise about meals, toilet issues, naps, etc. Effective communication between parents, teachers, the school administration and your child will ease the transition process. Also, talking to your child every day after school will give you an idea of how they are settling in.
5. Manage Your Anxieties
Parents – sending a child to preschool is a big step. If you show your child how freaked out you are, they may refuse to go to school. Find a way to handle your fears by talking to your spouse, friends or experienced teachers. If you appear to be happy with your decision to send your little one to school, he or she will embrace the idea with enthusiasm.
Lastly, turn the preschool transition period into a fun family experience, and enjoy it thoroughly!