Preparing Your Child for the First Day of Playschool? Here are some tips to help your little one get ready to face life outside your home.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!
Some parents do not understand how terrifying the first day of school can be for children. To minimize the shock that your child may experience when he goes to school for the first time, you have to make sure that you prepare the both of you for that big day.
- Weeks before class starts, drive by the school with your child so that he will be familiar with the school.
- Ask the school for a tour with a teacher to explain what each room or area is for.
- Talk to your child about the things that children do in school.
- If your child is going to attend the morning session, make sure that you adjust his bedtime so that he will sleep and wake up early.
- To help your child socialize with other kids easily, do some role-playing at home. Read books about going to school and making friends.
- Talk about different scenarios that he may encounter and how can handle it. It might also be a good idea to invite some school-age kids in your neighborhood and ask them to tell your child about school. Make sure that they only say nice things about it!
Build Independence
At this stage, your child is still learning some of the basic skills he needs to thrive in school.
- Have your child practice eating independently. Teach him how to open his lunchbox and water bottle.
- Going to the bathroom can make your child anxious. So make sure that before school starts, you get him to practice opening buttons or pulling down his pants. Your child should also know that it’s okay to ask the teacher permission to go to the bathroom even if it’s not the schedule for a bathroom break.
Focus on the positive. This may be hard for you as it is for your child, but you have to learn to let go. When your child feels your confidence and positive attitude towards the school and the people in it, then he will feel that way too. If you are anxious, you can be sure that he will be too!
Arrive Early
Make sure that your child wakes up early so you can go to school way before class starts. Being early will allow your child to settle in, observe his environment, and be comfortable when class begins.
Just a quick goodbye
Parents, especially mothers, have to be firm and encouraging when it comes to saying goodbye. Don’t overstay, as your presence can be distracting. Follow the teacher’s cue and say goodbye right away. Trust your child’s teacher Stop worrying and just trust your child’s teacher. It is important that parents show their children that they are giving the reins over to the teacher while they are in school. It helps children to trust and have more confidence in their teachers too.
Pick him up on time
Make sure that you are at the gate before dismissal time so your child will see you as soon as the bell rings. This will help your child become more confident and less anxious because he is sure that you will always be there at the end of each school day.
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.
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