Plan a Day-Visit
If possible, arrange a visit to your child’s new school before their first day. Explore the classroom together and spend time on the playground. This familiarization will make the school feel like a comfortable and welcoming place when they start.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Starting a new school can be tiring for kids. Create a consistent sleep routine with an earlier bedtime and a regular wake-up time for school days. Packing belongings and laying out clothes the night before can help reduce morning chaos.
Make School Preparation Fun
Turn school-related tasks into enjoyable activities. Practice putting on a backpack, closing buttons and zippers, and hanging coats on hooks. You can even make putting on shoes a game to see how quickly you can do it!
Arrange Play Dates
If you know other children who will be attending the same school, organize casual play dates in the park. Help the kids learn each other’s names by introducing them. Seeing familiar faces on the first day can make the experience more comfortable and exciting.
Continue Socializing
After school starts, encourage play dates with classmates. Casual meet-ups during lunch breaks or at the playground can help children relax, bond, and form new friendships. Remember, socializing outside of the classroom is essential for their overall development.
Connect with Other Parents
Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to other parents during pick-up or drop-off at the school. Building connections with other families creates a sense of community and provides valuable support and knowledge.
Offer a Sentimental Item
Give your child a new backpack for school and include a personal item from you, such as a keychain or scarf, as a keepsake. Let them know they can return the item to you when you pick them up after school, reinforcing the idea that you will come back for them. Ensure that the school allows for personal items and check their guidelines.
Communicate Directly
Avoid sneaking away without saying goodbye to your child. Building trust and reducing separation anxiety is crucial. Express your love for them, say goodbye, and leave. Lengthy goodbyes can be difficult for everyone involved. By modeling this behavior, your child will start to trust that their teacher will take care of them, as teachers are trained to handle such situations.
Stay Informed
Instead of peering through windows or risking your child seeing you return, contact the school to inquire about how your child is adjusting. Communication with the school will provide you with updates and reassurance about your child’s well-being.
Remember, adjusting to preschool is a process that takes time. There will be good and bad days, but with patience and support, your preschooler will soon become comfortable and confident in their new environment.