How to Prepare your Child (and yourself) for the First Day of Preschool
It’s that time of the year again, back to school! I admit that still, as my kids are in middle school, I get sad on the first day of school, as they depart my car and leave for a long day of studies. The separation is not easy for them or me, as I miss them more than the usual.
For many moms taking their children off to preschool for the first time is an exciting but can be anxious. It is an important transition period for the family, especially if you chose to spend the first two and a half years with your child at home and not send him or her to childcare. Your little one on their own in a brand-new environment, new routine, new interaction with adults and other children, new activities; all these changes happening at once.
Here a few tips to make this process easy and calmer for all, and enjoy this excellent step forward into your child’s education:
- What to expect: Have an open conversation with your child about what preschool will consist of and the changes that come with it. Feel free to share your own experiences with your child or any words of encouragement. Show them pictures of preschool, read books about starting school and talk about the different activities in school, like painting, circle time, playing in the yard, singing. Give scenarios like what happens when I need to go to the bathroom, or if I miss daddy or mommy. This all will be crucial during your child’s transition time.
- Mommy/Daddy always come back: One of the most upsetting issues, both for kids and for adults are separation anxiety. Children do not have a sense of time, and it might look like a very long time at first, especially until they familiarize with the school’s routine. Fear is triggered when we are not sure what is next. Talk about mommy or daddy coming back to pick them up. The more prepared your child is on what is going to be expected, the calmer this process will be.
- Back to school shopping: Take your child with you when shopping for new and fun gear. Let them chose their backpack or lunchbox, folder, and notebook with the characters or designs he prefers. This allows your child to become excited about this new experience that is to come, while also making a fun shopping trip for mom or dad!
- Make memories: Remember that this is a major step in your child’s education so don’t forget to capture these moments. Take cute and funny pictures or record their experience to add to a scrapbook or photo album. These memories are wonderful to look back at but also serve as a way to see your child’s progress!
Our goal as parents is teaching our children to be independent. Part of this process is teaching them how to become citizens in society and how to engage with other adults and friends when you are not around. If you remember that little anecdote, parenting as a whole will be easier and smoother. The most important skill is not necessary reading or riding the bike, but the ability to do it by themselves. This is the true gift that every parent can give to his child.