Preparing your toddler for school is a big milestone for both, parents and children. It is a tough and transitioning period. Your child may be excited but get a little scared as he is not familiar with the environment. He may take a little longer than others to adapt to the new environment of preschool.
Beginning with the formal learning journey is exciting and stressful at the same time.
It is the duty of the parents to make their toddlers feel warm and comfortable on the first day of school. It is not an easy task. Your child may cry or get aggressive because of the unfamiliar environment and unknown people around him.
There are some of the steps you may follow so that you can prepare your toddler for preschool. Some of the key steps are defined below:-
Discuss And Listen To Your Child
During the growing years, parents need to pay attention to the likes and dislikes of their children. They should know about their interests. For example, if a child is drawn to a particular topic, like the dinosaurs, try to find games and books of the same genre, relating to that subject.
If your child is not receptive to reading, it’s okay! You don’t need to push your child to read books. Nothing can come well out of force. Just hear your child and go with the flow. Go with the interests of your child.
Observe Non-Verbal Messages
Some children don’t talk much whereas others do. In the early years, where your child requires maximum attention and good nourishment, you, as a parent, should notice your child’s behaviour. You should start assuming when he is comfortable and when he is not. You should start noticing him, when he starts crying when he becomes more aggressive when he is happy and contended.
For example, your child may start having toileting accidents if he is fully potty trained. He may ask for help even when he knows he can do things on his own. For example, he may ask you to dress him even when he can do it himself.
Don’t forget that your little one is facing a huge change in life. He is managing a big change. So, he may need more support, patience and nurturing in these transitional periods.
Plan To Stay A Little While
Staying for a little while (15-20 minutes) on the day you leave your child at preschool during the transition period may make the situation easier. Parents and children can discover the school together. They can roam around and meet new friends or play a few games together. As soon as your child gets comfortable and makes new friends, you can leave him at school. If he gets more clingy, you may give him to a teacher or another caring adult for support.
Talk In A Positive Tone
Usually, kids tend to copy what their parents or adults do, If you become sad, they may become aggressive or sad too. Stay positive and happy-go parents while you leave your little one at the gate of the school with full confidence that everything will go well.
Don’t Get Emotional
Parents should resist the rescue and try not to get back to their children while they cry as soon as they leave. A child will usually get clingy on his first day.
It’s his first day of preschool, he may feel cared for and uncomfortable. Don’t feel emotional when he cries because if you go back to him while dropping, he may think that he is safe only when you are around.
Teachers have good experience and they usually handle it in a friendly manner. You can rely upon them for this!
Few Days Before The Preschool Starts
✓ Purchase an attractive bag pack, of your child’s interest.
✓ Label all the school going things with the name of your child and the teacher on it with permanent ink.
✓ Health professionals of the preschool should know about the medication of the child if there are any.
✓ Talk about the daily routine.
✓ Set a disciplined schedule so that your child doesn’t struggle while sleeping or waking up during the preschool days.
One Night Before Preschool
✓ Answer the questions of your child in a warm manner.
He should feel comfortable asking his doubts.
✓ Let your child choose clothes of his choice for the first day of school.
✓ Set a routine and make sure he goes to bed on time.
He should feel fresh and relaxed on the first day of his school.
On The First Day Of Preschool
✓ Wake up on time so that you and your child have sufficient time to prepare for the first day. You shouldn’t be in a rush, on the first day itself.
✓ Make sure you have breakfast with your child so that he can also have time to express while eating. Make him feel comfortable.
✓ Tell him how exciting it is, to go to preschool. Give him a review of your own experiences.
✓ Pack his favourite food in his tiffin box. He is already going through a drastic change, so he may need pampering.
✓ He may take a stuffed toy with him so that he feels less lonely in school. He may also feel some familiarity throughout the day.
Conclusion
The apple of your eye is going to preschool for the first time. It is a transitioning period for both, parents and children.
While parents may feel emotional, children may also have a fear of separation. Your child will need more attention while going out on the first day. Your duty as a parent is to motivate your child and make him curious about the preschool. Talk it out with your child and make sure you observe his behaviour on a daily basis. Know more about your little one and make sure you pamper him enough on the first day of his preschool!
If your kid starts focusing on one task at a time or he begins to follow some directions, or simply when he can handle being away, you can say that he is ready for preschool.
According to a child psychologist, it can take anywhere from one day to four weeks, depending on their temperament.
The best things to learn for a 2-year-old preschool range from reading books to playing educational games, solving easy puzzles and drawing and colouring.
