First day of preschool can be daunting for some kids. As a good parent, you should do all that you can, to make the transition for your little one easier. Here are a few guidelines that you should follow
1. Prepare a checklist
Your checklist should include items like, a comfortable-yet-spacious school bag, tiffin, bottle, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other supplies suggested by the teacher. Try to label the bag etc. with a permanent marker.
2. Familiarize your child with the preschool
Your child will adapt more quickly to the preschool if she has spent time there with a familiar face. Make an effort to take your child to the preschool a few times before the academic session starts and spend an hour there with them.
3. Adapt your child to the new routine
2 weeks before the preschool starts, start ensuring that your child goes to bed on time and wakes up on time, to be well-rested for a healthy day of learning at the preschool. You don’t want them to be cranky because of being woken up an hour before their regular waking time on the day the preschool starts.
4. Give children control
Your child may panic and throw a tantrum if they feel lost or not in control. Hence, give them as much control as you can. Don’t force them to sit in the classroom rightaway, allow them to spend a week or two wandering around the preschool, playing with things they like, before they need to start sitting in the classrooms at their own pace. Helping them pick things like their bag, clothes (as long as they are appropriate for preschool) might also help them feel more in control.
5. Keep your emotions in check
Your children might be more perceptive than you give them credit for. If you feel anxious or sad about your child “growing up”, they might pick up on it and feel that something is wrong. If you’re upbeat about the prospect of preschool, they are more likely to take it positively as well.
