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With summer coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about going back to school.To be honest, I have no way Always a back to school fan. As a kid, I never realized why, but for years my reaction to the first week of school was intense anxiety and debilitating migraines. Little did I know it was social anxiety and a very introverted personality that left me feeling completely exhausted and begging my mom to keep me at home. I’m an adult and don’t have to go back to school, thank goodness, but I have a toddler going through the process right now (I’m almost sure it’s harder for me).
I remember sending my toddler away on her first day of school last fall like it was yesterday (I was the one holding back the tears). It was a big shift and it was emotionally charged for everyone. With many of us going back to school in person this year, I wanted to share some tips (and some advice for parents) on how to prepare kids for preschool. While it can feel overwhelming, the right preparation can help prepare children for success, and as parents, we can play an important role in preparing them for this big milestone. I’m certainly no expert, but I hope this serves as a guide to help you through this transition. I also heard some thoughtful advice from my friend and early childhood educator, Jacquelyn, as she shares some of her best tips for preparing for this year (and day one) to make the transition to preschool as smooth and stress-free as possible .
How to Prepare Your Child for Preschool
When preparing for preschool (and daycare), there is one person in particular I turn to for advice. My friend Jacquelyn is a mother of preschoolers and early childhood educators. Here’s what she said when I asked about preparing for preschool:
Much of the preparation I do for my daughter, and the advice I often give to families of children in my class, has more to do with developing healthy routines and preparing and rehearsing for the transition to school.
Here are some tips to prepare your child for the transition.
back to everyday life
Summer can be filled with easier routines, late nights, and less structured meals. It can be helpful to get your child back on a healthy sleep and meal schedule in the weeks before school starts. According to Jacquelyn, “Getting into a routine that mimics their weekly school wake-up and meal times will help ease some of the adjustments back to school or going for the first time.”
visit the school together
If your school has an open day, use this as an opportunity for your child to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers. It’s not always possible with Covid, but even going to the school playground and walking around talking about school can help. “This can reduce a lot of anxiety ahead of the first day of school and give you time to preview what the closing process will look like,” Jacquelyn said.
play school at home
Whether your child is going to school for the first time or has been to school before, it can be helpful to share with them a few things they can look forward to. You can read books about preschool and have conversations, including content that both parties are excited about. Jacquelyn recommends things like “playing with blocks, drawing, painting, playing with babies at the play corner, etc.”
start practice lunch
This is what I did before my toddler went to daycare for the first time.She’s never eaten from a lunch box, so the week before school starts, I serve her lunch planetary box The lunch box got her used to this routine.
toilet training
Some kindergartens require children to be toilet trained. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time. “Focus on developing independence through their toileting, dressing and handwashing skills,” says Jacquelyn. “The preschool teachers are always there to help and support the children they are in, and the more confident your child is in self-care skills, the smoother the transition will be, even when seeking help.”
Tips for the first day of kindergarten
The first day I sent Marin to nursery, I was a total mess. I had anticipated the worst and had no chance to see the school or meet her teachers and I was very nervous about her reaction. Of course she walked in, started playing, and didn’t look back. The first week we ended up crying as we said goodbye, but her teacher was amazing in helping us both through this transition. On my first day of kindergarten, I asked Jacquelyn for some advice and advice for kids with separation anxiety. Here are some tips she offers that can help:
set play date
Jacquelyn recommends scheduling play dates before the first day of school so kids can get acquainted with their peers. This is also a great opportunity for you to meet other parents in your child’s class.
spend time at school
Whether you arrive early on the first day or can go before school starts, “take time on the school playground and point out the entrance to your child’s classroom. This can help your child feel comfortable in the new space and have some Familiarity,” Jacquelyn points out.
Establish a Farewell Routine
If there’s one thing I’ve personally learned about getting off the bus, it helps keep the farewell short and sweet. Usually, it gets worse the longer I stay, especially when my toddler is upset. Jacquelyn has some goodbye advice.
“If your child suffers from separation anxiety, the first thing to remember is that they can happily settle into the classroom with their peers, usually a few minutes after you’ve left them, with the teacher’s gentle reassurance. “
Jacquelyn added: “Following the drop-off script can be very helpful. It details the steps, what you’re going to say and when you’re going to leave. It’s important to communicate how much you feel about your child and where and where you’re going to be with them. People’s confidence. Teachers are prepared to make children more shy, sad and anxious in the first few weeks of school, and intentionally build warm relationships and predictable routines to help children relax.”
Jacquelyn said she has established routines with parents who need to leave quickly so tears don’t escalate. She sent them a photo of the child happily working in the classroom within minutes to help ease their parents’ worries and help them say goodbye more easily.
Prepare the night before
Jacquelyn recommends working with your child to prep their stuff the night before. “Have your child help prepare lunch or snacks the night before, pack a backpack, pick out clothes. This helps give them a sense of ownership and independence and helps the morning run smoothly.”
Create a visual timeline
Jacquelyn suggests creating a visual schedule that can be as simple as some simple sketches to let your kids know the order of morning/packing routines. “I often create a personal visual schedule for my kids in the classroom, and a morning sketch routine helps keep my preschooler on track at home. I include what she needs to get done and when we leave. For the classroom The kids in the school, I always draw sketches of their caregivers coming to pick them up after school to remind them that they’re coming.”
Build a positive mindset
Our kids are attentive and take cues from us. If you’re calm and confident about the start of school, it helps to assure them that everything will be fine. Try not to ask them if they are scared/nervous too many times as this may make things worse. If they seem nervous or stressed, reassure them that they will be fine.
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