Search
Preparing for Preschool
Starting preschool is a big step for young children and their parents. It is wonderful to watch your child take this significant developmental leap. In a new and stimulating environment, your child will get to know a wider group of children and have many exciting experiences.
Some young children have difficulty dealing with both separation and new situations, so you will want to make this important transition as easy as possible. Realize that leaving a child at school for the first time can bring up all sorts of feelings in both of you. Here are some suggestions to ease the transition:
- Find out ahead of time what the school’s policy is for the first day. Can you stay with your child? For how long? Or do you need to settle your child quickly and leave? This way you can prepare your child for what will happen that day.
- Get your child together with another child in the class ahead of time, so he will know someone on that first day. Ask the teacher for a roster of the class and call another parent to arrange a play date.
- Begin to talk about school a few weeks before it starts. You may want to read your child a book about starting school; ask your local librarian for suggestions. Drive by the school so your child can see the building. Find out if you can bring your child in to see the classroom, or even meet the teacher ahead of time.
- Many children have difficulty separating from their parents on that first day of school. Make the leave-taking short and sweet. The longer the parent drags out the transition, the more upset the child may become. If you seem hesitant to leave, then your child may begin to feel uncomfortable about staying.
- A “goodbye” ritual often helps a child to separate and can be comforting. This ritual can be something that you say to each other, or a special signal or wave. You can also leave a small object with your child so if he misses you, he can hold it and know that you love him.
- Let your child know when you will return, in terms that the child will understand. Say “I will pick you up after nap” rather than a specific time. Be sure to arrive on time; children worry if they don’t see their parents when the other parents arrive. If you are going to be late, call the school so the teacher can tell your child.
Parents may also have difficulty with separation. If your child cries when you leave, you worry about how he feels. If your child doesn’t cry, you worry that she isn’t attached. If you are really concerned, call the school to find out how your child is doing. Usually, after a few days or weeks, depending on the child, everything will settle down and you can relax and enjoy seeing your child flourish.