Getting your child ready for pre-school
It’s a momentous milestone you’re never likely to forget, but so many parents just aren’t ready for the day that their child starts pre-school. Emotions are running high and there are plenty of tears and tantrums... and that’s just the parents!
It’s a sure-fire sign that your child is leaving babyhood behind and taking tentative first steps into the big bad world.
Still, it needn’t be a rollercoaster ride for you and your child; with the right amount of planning and know-how, the transition from home to school could be smoother than you think.
Is your child ready?
One easy way to see whether your child is ready for the big move is to see how (s)he reacts with other children. Are they able to communicate verbally with others? Can they interact with others in games and imaginary play? Do they respond well to your disciplinary methods? The ‘terrible twos’ are barely behind them, so they might still be throwing tantrums. Before you consider pre-school, it might be best for all concerned if the child has grown out of throwing several tantrums a day. Above all, a pre-school programme is designed towards teaching children how to act and behave in a group ahead of mainstream school. If you are worried that your child might not be ready to be separated from you, leave him/her overnight with a close family member and see how they fare without you.
Toilet training
A lot of pre-schools decree that their attendees are already toilet trained. Obviously, children learn at a different rate but putting them in a public situation if they are not potty trained could be a disaster waiting to happen. Some preschools might allow a nappy for nap times, but if toilet training is something that still needs to be addressed, perhaps consider holding off on pre-school for another year.
Before the big day
Above all, give your child enough time to get used to the idea that school is around the corner. Bring them on various social outings so that they can get used to other youngsters. It might be a good idea to arrange a visit or two to the pre-school with your child, so that there are no nasty culture shocks on the first day. Allow them time to explore and get used to the environment and the other children, and ask your child to talk about the school, their likes or dislikes. If you remind him/ her about the aspects of the school that they found fun, they may be less nervous about being left there.
On the big day
On the morning before pre-school starts, ensure that getting ready (breakfast/ dressing) are as relaxed and light-hearted as possible. Whatever you do, keep it together, and don’t show any signs of apprehension or emotion. Talk the experience up; for example impress upon the child that (s)he is going on a great adventure, that they will have so much fun that day. Experts also suggest that you reinforce the bond with your child with plenty of affection and cuddles, so they feel more secure that you’re not attempting to get rid of them.
If at all possible, ask the pre-school teacher if you can stay a little while in the class to help make the transition go smoothly. Bear in mind the teacher will have seen this situation hundreds of times before, so take his/her lead and keep calm.
When it comes to leaving the room, try and get the child engaged with the other children, and simply say good-bye and leave. If there is a short outburst, stay near the school and check back after 5 minutes to see if your child has calmed down. More often than not, they will have.