Starting preschool is stressful both for parents and kids. Our role as parents is to prepare our kids for a new chapter in their lives in the best way possible. The first thing we do is choose a quality preschool. And then, we can focus on preparing our kids for starting preschool. This preparation process begins long before the school year starts. Keep reading to learn more about starting preschool through practical tips for parents.
To simplify things, we’ve divided this guide into two phases: before and when. We will also cover a section on how to deal with various issues, such as kids worrying about starting preschool and their reluctance to attend preschool.
Before starting preschool
Talk about preschool
As we already mentioned, the preparation process for preschool starts long before the actual school year. Children usually have trouble accepting going to preschool because it is new and unknown. You should start by talking to them about preschool to make this transition smoother. You should familiarise them with the concept and the principles of attending preschool. Talk about how their day will look and what they will do. Try to bring them closer to the atmosphere by showing them some videos. You can also roleplay a day at preschool. Be enthusiastic and positive about it.
Read books about preschool
Another thing you can do is read books about preschool. You can find some books online and read them on a tablet, or you can visit the local library and get some books about starting preschool. This would also be an excellent experience for kids to learn about the library, as this concept is beginning to fade with the new digital generations. These books should be for kids, with many pictures and exciting stories. This approach should get them excited about starting preschool. You can also find some cartoons featuring their favourite characters going to preschool.
Visit preschool
Visiting preschool is yet another thing you should do. Many preschools, including Insight Early Learning, offer orientation visits, which you should definitely attend. This is surely one of the best ways for kids to familiarise themselves with the institution. By visiting preschool with their parent(s), kids feel safe and more eager to explore. Preschools often use this opportunity to have kids meet their teachers. They can learn more about the different sections of the preschool. Together with their teacher, they can simulate a typical day at the preschool. They can play with toys, draw something and participate in some activities. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet their peers.
When starting preschool
Start gradually
When it comes to the actual moment of starting preschool, it is essential to begin gradually. Most preschools worldwide suggest that kids come with their parent(s) for the first few days. It is the best way for kids to adapt to this new setting and routines. You should find the best way for you and your kid, as every child is different. For some, starting preschool is easy, while for other kids, it is challenging. That's why a different approach is needed for each child. What also helps is telling your child how long they will stay and what they will do so they don’t get surprised.
Develop a morning routine
The period when kids start preschool brings many new changes. One such change is developing a morning routine. This is the first time for your kid(s) to start having a morning routine. Habits are good as they help a child feel safe, especially with new things going on. A typical morning routine for kids attending preschool starts with getting up, going to the bathroom (washing face, brushing teeth and hair), dressing up and having breakfast, after which they go to the preschool. To make it more amusing, you can create a photo chart showing the steps of their morning routine.
Have a goodbye routine
As it is essential to have a morning routine, it is also vital to have a goodbye routine. When you say goodbye to your child, it is a sign that you will leave them and go to work or wherever. Tell them you will pick them up at the end of the day. Have a special way of saying goodbye. For example, you can ask your child which book you will read before you go. You can also have your kid wave you from the window. Ensure you and your child are focused when saying goodbye - you should do it once and then leave. Having multiple goodbyes is challenging both for you and the child.
Celebrate achievements
To build your child’s confidence, you should celebrate their achievements. Even the smallest ones are huge for your child. This involves praising your child just for trying something new, meeting new people and behaving nicely.
How to deal with potential issues
Worries about preschool
The preparation process for preschool also comes with potential issues, such as your kid(s) worrying about preschool. Anxiety and tiredness are common feelings for your child. You can notice strange behaviours, such as your child wanting to sleep more, lack of appetite or general unhappiness. These can all be signs of being worried about preschool. Talk to your child and explain that you are at work while they are at preschool, and make it a normal thing to do.
Reluctance to attending preschool
Even if your child likes going to preschool in the beginning, this can change. They can seem less eager to go over time. You should keep reacting positively to things they do at preschool to spark their enthusiasm back. It would be great if they also meet some friends they can hang out with outside the preschool. That friendship will make them want to go. There could also be some other issues, such as issues with drop-off and separation anxiety issues. You should find a way to overcome these.
Even though starting preschool can be stressful, once you get a grip on it, both you as the parent and your child, you will see how smoothly it goes. Kids usually love going to preschool as they do many interesting things.