12 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Preschool

Starting preschool often signifies the start of a new chapter in your child’s development, where they have a chance to make new friends, practice independence, learn new skills, and gain self-confidence. This new milestone sets the path for future school success. 

However, this transition can be a bit difficult for some children. As much as both parents and toddlers are excited about this new experience, it can also bring them conflicting emotions. Parents look forward to their children making new discoveries, yet the thought of their children venturing out into the big world without them can be distressing. On the other hand, children may feel apprehensive about the unfamiliarity of the environment and the separation from their parents. 

Experiencing mixed emotions is completely normal. Preparation for preschool is often manageable as long as you take enough time to ensure the transition goes smoothly for your tot. Keeping your efforts low pressure and not making a big deal out of it can help make your child feel more thrilled than anxious. 

How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool

As a parent, there are several ways you can help prepare your child for preschool and make it a fun and memorable experience. In this post, we’ve rounded up a preschool preparation checklist that you can use. 

• Talk to Your Child About the Change

Talking to your child about preschool in a cheerful manner can help them look forward to it. Tell them about the different fun preschool activities and how they will meet other children and make new friends. You can also gently explain to them that you cannot be there in school with them. Although it can be tempting to talk about what they can expect in a few months, overpreparing can only lead to anxiety.

• Fix Sleep Habits

If your child sleeps and wakes up late, now is the time to change their sleeping schedule. Children aged 2 to 3 need about 11 to 14 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night and a 2 to 3 hours nap during the day. Also, it takes about 2 months for children to adjust to a new routine — that is why you need to tuck them in early to ensure that they wake up happy and fresh the next morning. On school days, be sure to wake them up early so they will have plenty of time to prepare for school. Lack of restful sleep can make your kid cranky and irritable in school. 

• Consistent Bedtime and Waking-Up Routine

Consistency is key to maintaining a bedtime and waking-up routine for young children. Most children function properly when they follow a well-established routine, which gives them a sense of sequencing, discipline, and time. Help them establish a routine and then gently get them in the mood of sleeping and waking up early at a certain time. 

• Reading a Book 

Reading books to your child during their early years not only fosters their love for books but also improves their vocabulary. Having a rich vocabulary is crucial for their academic success and confidence. Start a habit of tucking your little one into bed with a book.

• Bedtime Reflection

Take time to ask your child about their day and have them reflect on it. It is one of the best things you can do during your alone time with your child. You can also talk about your own day. This routine can help set up a parent-child “catching up time”. In case your child has a behavioural issue, your bedtime reflection routine can help you discuss the issue, leaving your child with a thought they can reflect on. 

• Help Your Child Become Independent

Teaching your child simple chores, such as clearing their plate from the table and tidying up and storing their toys after playing can help them become independent. Other activities that help establish self-reliance include folding their handkerchief, buttoning up their shirt, and wearing socks and velcro shoes. You can also let them eat on their own. A great and simple way to encourage them to feed themselves is finger foods. You can also slowly teach them how to use a spoon or fork. 

• Familiarization Trip

If you have finally chosen which school to enroll your child for preschool learning, plan a school family trip for your kid. You can drive by the school and tell them about it with excitement. Do not just talk about the structure in general — you can also tell them about the playground, toys, books, and other children, too. If the school permits, give your child a sneak peek of the facilities and classes and have them meet their teachers-to-be. 

• Expect Tears

Separation anxiety can definitely bring tears, which is normal for both parents and children. Expect teary goodbyes and a bit of struggle during the first few days. However, stay patient and positive. Your child will eventually settle down and goodbyes will turn into happy ones for sure. Just let yourself breathe, sit back, relax, and enjoy the new phase in your child’s life. 

Easing the Jitters of Separation

• Accompany Your Child for the First Few Days

Most preschools understand the challenges associated with separation anxiety in both parents and children. That is why they allow parents to spend the first a couple of days with the children to alleviate stress and anxiety. While some children never experience it at all, others may require more time. Patience and reassurance can help your child overcome separation anxiety. Soon, your child will be looking forward to attending their preschool programs every morning. 

• Create a Special and Loving Goodbye Routine

Giving your child a special hug, a high-five, and a kiss goodbye can help comfort and prepare their little hearts and keep their spirits up. You can also look into preschool lunch ideas so they have something delicious and nutritious to eat at school. You might just be surprised at how effective a special and loving goodbye routine can be for your little one. 

• Resist the Urge to Rescue Your Child

Of course, it is every parent’s instinct to run back into the school when they hear their child crying. Separation anxiety is never easy for parents and children. However, running back can only prolong your child’s adaption period. Understand that it is a normal reaction for children to have a meltdown, especially when it is their first time being separated from their parents. Chances are, they will likely feel better a few minutes after you walk out that door. Do not worry if your child experiences anxiety during the first few days — there will be teachers at hand who are experienced in handling this kind of situation. 

Preschool can be both emotional and exciting for parents and children. However, with patience and love, you can make it a fun and positive experience for your child.