Your entire family may have waited for the day when your toddler was ready to be in school. However, when they are finally ready for preschool, your nerves may be on edge. To settle them happily, you'll need these planning and preliminary steps.
Tour the Facility Together
You have probably done exhaustive research on all the facilities in the area, but when you've compiled a final list and plan to drop by, your child should be in tow. Watch their eyes for initial impressions and look for signs that they could be comfortable. You may go further; stay awhile. Engage in free play or sit for song time. Your child's reactions can affect your facility choices.
Of course, while touring, inquire about teacher education, toileting, and disciplinary practices. Follow-up questions can be compiled at home over the following days, and another visit can crystallize what your child thinks and how you feel.
Change Schedule Beforehand
If you and the kids enjoy sleeping in, that must be adjusted when one of them has to arrive bright and eager for preschool. It's not fair to your new preschooler to expect them to completely adjust to new times all of a sudden. Therefore, use your knowledge of a facility's schedule to slowly shift your own; for naps especially, this is important. Try preschool activities and move on to new activities when your child would have to do something else at school. You may even role-play as a teacher to teach listening and appropriate responses.
Control Emotions
Anxiety for any new experience is natural. However, as a parent, your own anxiety needs to be controlled on that initial day. Wringing hands and brushing away tears isn't going to help; in fact, your little one senses how you feel. If you need pep talks, contact relatives and call your spouse. Act pleasant, excited, and upbeat during drop-off.
Don't Linger
Almost every first-time parent wants a peek of what's happening. This is not only disruptive to your own child's progress, but to that of others. When one child can see or hug their parent, a cascade can begin that's challenging for both children and staff. Be considerate of all and avoid hanging around the center until pick-up time.
Your family will thrive from the knowledge and social skills your preschooler brings home. Prepare, but make room for all the new and fun experiences that this time will bring for everyone.
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