Making the transition from home to preschool can be tough for both parents and children. As a parent, you may feel anxious about leaving your child in the care of someone else. And as a child, preschool can be a big adjustment — new faces, new places, and new rules. But there are certain things you can do to help make that transition to preschool just that much easier!
At O2B Kids in Southwood, we understand how important it is to make the transition to preschool as smooth as possible. Work with our early childhood center to help your preschooler transition with ease! Enroll at O2B Kids today!
Talk to Them About What to Expect
For many preschoolers, preschool is their first experience away from home. So instead of just dropping them off for their first day, it’s important to talk to them about what they can expect. This could be anything from familiarizing them with the teacher’s name to explaining what kinds of things they’ll be doing during free play.
Talk about the activities they will be doing during the day and what they can expect when they are dropped off and picked up. If your child has any questions or concerns, address them openly and honestly. The more prepared your child is for preschool, the easier the transition will be.
Prepare Them for Separation
If your preschooler has never been away from you for an extended period of time, prepare them (and yourself!) for separation anxiety. Start with small separations, like going grocery shopping without them or attending a yoga class. Once they’re comfortable with being away from you for short periods of time, gradually increase the amount of time they’re away.
The goal is to have your preschooler feel confident and independent when it comes to separating from you — that way, when it’s time for preschool, they’ll be more likely to feel comfortable and confident in their new environment.
Make a Schedule
For many preschoolers, having a schedule is key to feeling comfortable in their new surroundings. A schedule will help them know what to expect throughout the day and make them feel more secure in their new environment. If possible, try to create a schedule that’s similar to the one they’ll have at preschool. This way, they can start getting used to the routine before they even step foot in the classroom!
Just make sure to include a few minutes for free play, as this will allow your preschooler some time to explore and grow their creativity!
Get Them Excited
One of the best ways to help your preschooler transition to their new environment is to get them excited about it! If you’re excited about preschool, they’re more likely to be excited as well. Talk about all the fun things they’ll get to do, like make new friends and learn new things. We understand how important it is to make the transition to preschool as smooth as possible. Work with our early childhood center to help your preschooler transition with ease!
Make a Practice Run
A few days before preschool starts, take your child on a practice run to their preschool. This will help them get familiar with the drive, where the preschool is located, and help ease any anxiety they might be feeling about their first day. You can also show them pictures of the preschool or their teacher so they feel familiar with their new surroundings.
Prepare Your Child for Preschool With O2B Kids in Southwood
Making the transition to preschool can be tough, but there are certain things you can do to help make it easier. With these tips in mind, your child will be ready for preschool in no time!
At O2B Kids in Southwood, we want to make sure your preschooler is as prepared as possible for their first day. Contact us today to learn more about our preschool program and how we can help your child transition with ease!
