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Are you looking forward to sending your precious little one to preschool for the first time? About 54% of 3-5-year-olds in the US were enrolled in preschools.
As your child gets ready to head off to preschool, there are a few ways that you can help make their mornings better ahead of time.
This is especially true if your preschool-aged child is anxious about the first day of preschool. In many ways, the first day of preschool is often much harder for parents than it is for children.
However, preschool is often a fundamental shift for your child. And through some basic steps, you can help reduce their anxiety.
As you might already know, I’m a Master Mindset Coach, and a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded a groundbreaking and therapist recommended video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people to live their calmest and happiest lives.
And as a mom, I know how stressful it can be to make the choice to send your kid to preschool. So I wrote this article for how to prepare your child for the first day of preschool.
Read on to find some great tips to help your child prepare for their first day of preschool to ease everyone’s stress.
The first day of preschool is an exciting time for you and your child. But it can also be a little bit overwhelming. To help your child (and yourself) prepare for this big day, take some time to sort through their feelings.
Talk to your child about their feelings on preschool, and help them understand that it’s normal to have some nerves. Then, take some time to talk about the exciting things they’ll get to do at preschool. Help them understand that this is a special time when they’ll learn and grow.
Show them pictures of the school and their classroom. Let them know they will meet new friends and learn new things. Help them to understand that there will be a separation from you but that you will be there to pick them up at the end of the day.
Furthermore, make sure to communicate with the preschool teachers beforehand. It will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your child has a smooth transition into their first day of preschool.
When your child is interested in attending preschool, it’s time to start preparing them for their first day. Reading books about preschool will help your child understand what to expect on the first day of preschool and get them excited about all the new things they’ll get to do.
You can also talk about the different parts of the day, such as circle time, art, and lunch. If your child has questions or concerns, be sure to address them, so they feel as prepared.
Preparing your child for their first day of preschool is never too early. Show your child where their classroom is and introduce them to the teacher.
A few weeks before school starts, take your child on a tour of their new school. It will help them become familiar with their new surroundings and alleviate their anxiety about starting school.
Explain to them what to expect on the first day of preschool to see what and who they will meet. It will help to ease any fears or separation anxieties they may have. Try to keep the tone upbeat and emphasize all the fun they will have!
Some schools offer tours to parents and students. You can visit willowdalechildrens.com to check tour schedules and learn about the best preschool to choose for your little one.
Choose items that will comfort your child and remind them of home. A favorite stuffed animal or toy can be a great way to help your child feel secure in a new environment. A family photo or other memento can also help your child feel connected to home while they are away.
Pack a few snacks and lunch items your child enjoys and is familiar with. It will help ease any anxiety they may have about trying new foods. Furthermore, be sure to pack a change of clothes in case of an accident.
When your child is about to start preschool, it’s vital to help them get into a good routine to make the transition as smooth as possible. Make sure to practice your morning routine together. Get up at the same time each day and go through all the steps of getting ready for school, including breakfast, packing lunch and snacks, and sunscreen.
It’s natural for parents to want to prepare their child for the first day of preschool, but it’s important to avoid talking about it too far in advance. If you bring it up too early, your child may become anxious about starting school. It’s best to wait until a few weeks before the first day of school to start talking about it.
A week before school starts, begin to talk about what to expect. When you talk about it, be positive and emphasize all the fun they will have.
On the day of, wake up early and enjoy a relaxed breakfast together. Help your child pick an outfit and pack a backpack with some of their favorite things. When it’s time to go, give your child a big hug and tell them you’ll be back to pick them up soon.
When preparing your child for the first day of preschool, you can do a few things to help ease the transition. One way to help is by teaching your child some basic self-help skills, such as putting on their shoes and socks or using the toilet. It will help them feel more independent and confident on their first day.
You can also try playing some simple games with your child that focus on following directions and taking turns. It will help them get used to listening and paying attention, two skills they will need in the classroom.
You can also practice skills such as listening to and following directions, sharing and taking turns and sitting still for short periods. You can do this through simple games and activities at home.
Start by having short play dates with friends or family or going for temporary separation outings, such as to the grocery store.
Furthermore, make sure to teach them about the importance of paying attention to nonverbal cues. If a teacher or classmate is trying to get their attention, they should look at the person and listen carefully. If they’re unsure what to do, they should ask the teacher or a grown-up for help.
You can do it by playing games that involve reading facial expressions and body language or pointing out when someone is using nonverbal cues in everyday life. When your child sees that people use nonverbal communication all the time, they’ll be better equipped to read and respond to the cues they’ll encounter in preschool.
Allow them to choose their outfit, help pack their lunch, and pick out their favorite toy to bring. If they are old enough, involve them in how to select a preschool. Let them walk to the classroom by themselves or with a friend.
Talk about the different options and why you chose the one you did. Giving them a sense of control over their environment will help ease their anxiety about starting preschool. It will also help them become more comfortable and confident.
It means setting up a similar schedule at home, with designated times for activities such as eating, playing, and learning. Establish a daily routine, including a regular bedtime and waking time.
Go over the basic rules of preschool, such as listening to the teacher, sharing with classmates, and using kind words. You can also role-play different scenarios at school, such as waiting in line or raising your hand to speak.
Walk them through their day so they know what to expect. Talk about what they will do when they first arrive, during circle time, free play, and lunch. Tell them they will have a lot of fun and meet new friends.
You want them to be well-rested, so they can be alert and focused during their classes. An excellent way to ensure this is to establish a bedtime routine the night before and stick to it as closely as possible. It means having lights off and screens away at least an hour before sleep.
Once in bed, read a few stories together or do calming activities like singing songs or talking about the upcoming day. It will help your child drift off to sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed and ready to start their day.
Starting the first day of preschool is a big deal for both kids and parents. It’s important to talk to your child about what they can expect. Explain that they will be learning and playing with other kids their age.
Reassure them that you will be there to pick them up at the end of the day. Help your child pick out an outfit and pack a small bag with essentials, like an extra change of clothes or a blanket.
On the big day, say goodbye with a hug and kiss and tell them you’ll be back soon. Preschool is an excellent way for kids to learn and socialize, so with some preparation, you and your child will be ready for a successful first day of preschool.
Explore my therapist recommended relaxation training course: The Anxiety Cure.