Starting school marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey. School opens new opportunities for children to interact with new peers, learn essential skills that will lay the foundation for their future academic years, and learn valuable life lessons. However, sometimes this milestone doesn’t always come easily for parents or children. Adjusting to a new environment and routine can be overwhelming for many youngsters. So how can you help your child adjust to preschool?
Entering an unfamiliar environment may make your child feel both excited and anxious. You can help your child get ready for this step by following these tips.
Find out if anything is worrying your child
Before school starts, it’s best to have a conversation with your child about their expectations about school. Find out what your little one is looking forward to as well as anything they may feel worried about. Listen and empathize with children, and let them know that these feelings are normal. Address their concerns and offer reassurance that they’ll be safe. Let them know school is a fun place. Offer encouragement, and tell your little one how proud you are of how brave they are.
Also, highlight the fun things your child will be doing at school. Tell children about the new and exciting things they’ll learn, the games they’ll play with friends, and new classmates they’ll meet.
Stay positive
It’s important to stay positive and supportive of your child during the transition to school. This is a big step for your child. Be careful not to let your worries bring you down or overwhelm you.
Be sure to maintain a positive attitude towards starting school. If you’re anxious or nervous about what’s to come, your child will be able to sense it and may also begin to worry. Show your little one that you’re looking forward to the first day of school with enthusiasm and excitement. Embrace this big step with optimism, and let your child know you’re there every step of the way.
Prepare your child for transitions
It’s a good idea to start preparing your child a couple of months before school starts. For example, find out if your child can tour the school, meet their teacher, and get a taste of any of the activities that happen during the day. Consider visiting your child’s preschool a few times before classes officially begin so your little one can get a feel for the new environment. Give children the opportunity to explore this new place and become familiar with this new setting.
It’s also a good idea to introduce your child to the types of activities that may take place in the classroom, such as writing, reading, and drawing. This will help your child mentally prepare so that your little one will be less overwhelmed by everything that is happening when the first day arrives. It will also help your child be more able to focus on learning new concepts, like numbers and letters.
Find out what your child needs to feel safe
Your child will meet many new people and encounter new experiences at school, so understanding your little one’s safety plan will help manage this transition. Perhaps your child wants to bring their favorite toy or another familiar object. By doing this, the new environment won’t feel so overwhelming or scary.
Establish a routine
One thing to which your child will start to become acclimated at school is a new routine. Adjusting to a new routine can be hard for anyone, which is why it’s important to get a headstart at home. Don’t wait until your child is at school before practicing following a routine.
Begin by making sure your child sticks to a consistent bedtime routine every night. Also, establish a routine for daily activities, such as eating breakfast, reading time, playtime, and so on.
Encourage socialization
Developing social skills is so important for young children. Make sure your child is given ample opportunities to interact with same-age peers. Set up playdates that give children plenty of opportunities to socialize with other kids of a similar age. This will help your child learn how to establish friendships and get along with others, which is vital for their success both in and out of school.
The transition to school can be overwhelming, but with the help of these tips, you can help your child adjust to school and help your little one on this new journey on the right foot.
For more helpful tips and resources on parenting, please feel free to visit Wee Care Preschool.
