My Child Is Starting Preschool

The time has come, your child is starting school! All the shopping and preparations have been done, and schools are opening up. School brings inevitable changes for both families and children: a new preschool, a new classroom, and new teachers.

Periods of change are exciting opportunities for children to learn and grow. Parents and educators play a crucial role in helping children feel secure during the transition to a new educational environment. Of course, these pivotal moments in a child's life can also bring about anxiety.

Remember that your child's readiness for school is closely related to your own preparedness. You should support your child by having trust in the school and teachers.

During this process, you should have confidence in your child's ability to adapt to the new environment and provide opportunities for them to succeed. If you appear excited and confident, your child is likely to feel the same way.

Here are some recommendations for this exciting process:

1. Prepare yourself and be enthusiastic about the changes.

2. Start establishing daily routines that will provide continuity before school starts.

3. Especially on the first day, allocate extra time to talk and spend time together.

4. When it's time to say "goodbye," try not to prolong the farewell. If your child is hesitant to leave you and clings to you, staying longer will only make the separation harder. Be firm but sincere when parting. If your child cries, avoid teasing or using derogatory words. Instead, use supportive phrases like, "Saying goodbye is tough; I understand."

5. Involve your child in simple tasks such as packing their bag and preparing their clothes. Starting an earlier bedtime a few weeks in advance will also help.

6. When you come to pick up your child, they may want to show you what they did at school during the day. They may look unhappy or angry when they see you or want to stay longer at school; don't be surprised. It means they need more time to separate. You can show them that you think school is a great place to spend time and chat with teachers or other parents.

7. If you know you might be late to pick up your child, be sure to share this information with them beforehand. You can also use this opportunity to teach them about telling time and getting used to using a clock.

Remember, every child's adjustment to a new environment or school is unique.