The first days in preschool are difficult for both children and their parents. They involve experiencing many difficult emotions – fear, anxiety, uncertainty. Parents constantly ask themselves: Will my child cope in preschool? Will they cry and for how long? What to do if they don't want to stay? These concerns are entirely natural. Even though parents know their child will be safe in that place, every parent intensely experiences their little one's first days in preschool – even preschool teachers do (though they might not always admit it).
If you are wondering how you can help your child adapt properly to preschool, be sure to read the following tips.
- Preparing the child.
Inform your child at least a few weeks in advance that they will be attending preschool.
Encourage them to ask questions about their time in the facility. You can also read a book together that addresses this topic.
Visit the preschool with your child for adaptation sessions. If the facility doesn’t organize such workshops, try to meet with 1-2 of your child’s group mates. Propose a playdate, invite them to your home. It will be much easier for your child to adapt to new conditions if they have familiar faces around.
Help your child become an independent preschooler - teach and let them dress, eat, and use the toilet by themselves. - Parent’s attitude.
Trust the teachers and staff of the facility. Children sense our emotions.
Try to avoid statements like: "You have to go to preschool. I have no one to leave you with, and I have to go to work." Such expressions suggest that the child has no choice and must stay at the facility. This can make them perceive going to preschool as an unpleasant duty. Instead, refer to their previous experiences and questions. Say that they will learn and play, meet new friends and teachers, and have a good time. - The day before.
Prepare all the necessary items, including comfortable clothes for the next day and an extra set of clothing to leave at the preschool.
Describe in detail what the first day at the new place will look like for your child. - The first day in preschool.
Get up a bit earlier than usual. This way, you won’t have to rush and get nervous if something takes longer.
Let your child decide what to wear. However, limit the choice to two outfits. Make their favorite breakfast.
The key is a positive attitude. Try not to show your child that you are also stressed.
Don’t rush on the way to preschool. If possible, walk there. Use this time to talk.
A short goodbye is very important. Hug your child. Tell them you love them. Inform them when you will pick them up, e.g., after lunch or snack time (very important: always keep your promises!).
Your child’s reaction can vary greatly. Unfortunately, you must be prepared for the possibility that they will start crying. This will be very difficult. Trust the preschool staff. They know how to react in such situations and help your child.
Try to make your child spend a little less time in preschool in the first few days.
After returning from preschool, go for a walk. Let your child tell you about their day. Take an active part in this discussion, but don’t ask too many questions.
Never talk about your concerns in front of your child. Talk to the educator without their presence.
The period of a child’s adaptation to preschool conditions can last from several weeks to several months and proceed in various ways. Each child is different and reacts differently during the first days in preschool. It is important to remember that this is a natural process that every preschooler must go through. Some children will protest quite strongly, others may tear up when parting with a parent, but will soon happily join in the play. After some time, you may find that your child surprises you by asking "Why so early?" and will not want to go home at all.
Pedagogue Klaudia Sokołowska-Baryś for Marioinex Education