It feels like just yesterday I was watching my oldest learn to walk for the first time and now he’s getting ready to start preschool. Starting preschool can be hard on both the parents and children, but there are a few things you can do to make the transition smoother for everyone. Here are 7 ways to prepare your child (and yourself) for the first day of preschool.
1. Even though you will probably be crying that first day, you can get them excited about going to preschool by getting them involved in the preparations. Have them pick their outfit for the first day and pack a special lunch, or even make a favorite breakfast to start some first day of school traditions.
2. Many preschool students have never been away from their parents so separation anxiety for those first few days are normal. If you think your child will have separation anxiety, you can start getting them used to being away from you by leaving them with a family member for short periods of time.
3. I know it’s hard to hold back the tears, especially the first time you drop them off to school but try to hold off on them till they aren’t around. This will show them a positive attitude about school.
4. Create a school environment in your home before they start to go to school, this will help your child get familiar with the environment so they can easily adjust.
5. Set a goodbye ritual and remind your child that you will be back to pick him up so that he has something to look forward too.
6. Work on social skills. Plan some playdates with some kids that are their age, so that the new social atmosphere won’t be so intimidating for them. You can even enroll him in some group activities that you can take part in also, this way you’re there for guidance. We visit our local library’s story hour and craft time to ease into some group activities.
7. Find the perfect school for your child. There are so many different options for your family from large classes to small, year round preschool, first come first serve or admission by interviews, or even corporate daycare’s. For me La Petite Academy was the perfect fit, they offer a range of educational and core programs for children from infancy to school age. They address children’s specific needs based on their age and pace of development.
A few of the programs that caught my eye included:
- Focus on Literacy! – Promotes early literacy skills and offers in-home and at school activities for little learners to improve their literacy and cognition.
- Learn as we Grow – Specially designed to meet the needs of 30- to 42-month-old children preparing for Preschool with three important focus areas: Understanding Routines and Transitions, Developing Independence, and Learning Through Experiences.
- Learn From the Start – A milestone-focused approach to child care and early education, which focuses on infants and toddlers.
If you’re preparing your child for an early education program, visit La Petite Academy and tour a facility near you.
La Petite Academy. Opening minds. Unleashing Imaginations.
What advice do you have for moms prepping for preschool?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Learning Care Group. The opinions and text are all mine.