New to School- How to handle the first few days of Preschool
Sobbing, sulking and crying. Is this what your mornings feel like right now? If you are a parent to a pre-schooler, there are high chances that you are literally dragging your child to school everyday or probably he/she is dragging you in the other direction. You find beating yourself up on what can you do for getting your child adjusted at pre-school.
The idea of sending your tiny tot to school for the first time ever is exciting as well as challenging.
There are some kids who do very well since the first day of school, but those are truly a rare species. I for myself had a kiddo who used to start resisting as soon as we began bath-time because she knew it was the first step in getting ready for school.
But let me tell you, this phase of dragging each other in opposite direction and making each other mad shall like all the other parenting phases pass. And soon before you know it, you will have a kid who not only goes to school happily but in fact awaits school time.
Before we get there, most of us have to go through the getting your child settled in school era.
And, frankly getting yourself settled too for a few hours without them. As this first time separation anxiety goes both ways.
How to Help your Child transition to life at Pre-school
Never dismiss their feelings
Recognize the fact that leaving the warmth of the house for the first time to go to pre-school is probably the next big trauma they are facing. Of course, the first one was leaving the warmth of their mumma’s tummies. Let them voice their fears. Don’t go all “the neighbor’s kid can do it, why can’t you” on a 3 year old. Don’t be “oh come on, get over it already” on them.
You got to let them know that you know it is not easy. Accepting their feelings is the first step in getting your child adjusted at pre-school.
Positive talks
Talk good things about the school during times when both of you and the kiddo are relaxed. For e.g. when you lie down for a nap or you are taking a walk with them.
You can create enthusiasm in them by talking about all the fun things they can do at school. Be it the idea of making new friends, or enjoying a slide at the school play area.
Involve them in Shopping for School Supplies
Who doesn’t love shopping? Make a great deal out of shopping for school supplies like bags, water bottles and crayons. Let them choose the color of their lunch box.
Make sure to keep on emphasizing that all of these things are meant to be taken to school.
Give it Time
Time is clearly of essence here. Not all children adjust at the same rate. If your child is taking more time than you anticipated, you got to be patient.
You can talk to the teachers or staff at school about what they might think be the reasons behind the child being not able to adjust. You can work together with them for better transitioning.
For e.g. some children take time getting used to being with kids their age. But they might feel comfortable with an adult they can trust. You can seek the help of someone at school to spend time with your child while they get accustomed to school.
Summing Up
One day you will look behind on this memory and cherish “The first few days of Pre-school”. I hope the above can come useful in your goal of getting your child adjusted at pre-school.
It is a big transition for both of you and it is best to take it slow. You don’t want to ruin the school experience in your child’s eye because after all it is just the beginning.
Happy Parenting!
If you are a newbie parent and not reached the stage of getting your child adjusted at pre-school then you are probably struggling to get some sleep or facing diaper dilemmas. Do check out my other posts and don’t forget to leave a comment about what challenges are you facing in getting your child adjusted at pre-school.
