The first day of preschool is an amazing event for children and their families, but without adequate preparations, you could be in for a very bumpy initiation. Here are 10 important ways to get ready and make the process a huge success for everyone:
1. Make A List Of Everything You Need To Do And Buy
The first day of preschool isn't just a big deal for kids, it can also be pretty chaotic for parents. To make it easier on yourself, create a to-do list, including things like health check-ups and vaccinations, paperwork and registrations, plus, a list of all the items your child will need, from a backpack full of school supplies, to the clothing and footwear you …show more content…
You could use your living room, greeting your child as they enter, much the same way the preschool teachers will. Ask your child questions about colors and numbers, giving them a good idea of how preschool will be.
3. Quiz Your Child On Their Independence Skills
Going to preschool likely means your child will have new expectations placed on them when it comes to independence, such as potty skills, mealtime manners and solving a variety of problems, including those presented to kids in groups. See where your little one stands and consider the ways in which you can gently push the goal of independence along.
4. Ask For More Independence From Now …show more content…
This setting is the ideal place to raise the level of expectations for independence, where you're right there to offer a big "Way to go!" or to catch them if they don't quite hit the mark. You could ask your child to do more things on their on, such as setting and clearing their own plates and silverware, tying, zipping and buttoning, along with putting their own toys away. Also, make sure your child has an effective way of communicating their needs that other people - not just family members, will be capable of understanding. For example, you may immediately know what a certain pout on your child's face indicates, but the new people at preschool won't. Practice speaking clearly and concisely, as much as your little one is able to at their current age and skill level.
5. Open A Dialogue About The Major Changes Going On In Your Child's Life
Asking your child how they feel about the upcoming transition to preschool is healthy and may help you work out any issues, hopefully before they evolve into potential problems. Talk about fears, hopes and how overwhelming the unknown can be, reassuring your child that teachers are there to help and that you'll never be out of reach, even if you're out of sight.
6. Pay A Visit To The New