How to Transition Your Child to Preschool
So you’ve made the decision to send your child to preschool, congrats! I'm sure you’re feeling all kinds of emotions. Happy, sad, scared and excited. This is probably exactly how your child is feeling too. This transition will be hard for your child and you but there are some tips to make this transition easier. This post is not just about what your child should “know” before school but rather tips on how to get them adjusted.
Talk about it!
After you’ve enrolled your child, talk to them a few weeks before school starts. Start introducing the idea and what it is going to be like. Create a safe space for them to ask any questions. Kids are really curious in how their day is going to be. If they are uncertain, it can make them more anxious and scared.
Read books about Preschool.
If they love books, find books that talk about going to school. There are many out there and this can help give them an idea of what preschool is. Safa loves Daniel the Tiger which has an episode about grown ups leaving and how they always come back. This is another great resource to use that will help them understand it better.
Familiarize them with ABCs, Colors and Numbers.
Preschool is about learning through play. However, they will introduce ABCs, numbers, colors, shapes etc. They don’t need to know everything but it’ll be great to start practicing some skills beforehand. There are great Preschool workbooks on Amazon they can work on the summer prior. This helps them be confident when they recognize it in school. For example, Safa knows the alphabet, can recognize most letters, can count till 20, and knows all her colors and shapes.
Establish a similar routine at home with a strict bedtime.
This is really important. If kids are not used to a routine at home and then are forced to follow one at school, it is going to be a very difficult transition for them. You want to start a similar routine at home with breakfast, playtime , lunch, rest/nap etc. Get them used to eating at the table if they don’t. Lastly, be strict with bedtime. If they don’t get enough sleep before school, it will make them even more crabby and in a bad mood. It is important they go to sleep early. If they do sleep late, start slowly by moving up bedtime by half hour every day a month prior.
Involve them in the process for shopping.
Safa loved this part. We went together and picked out her backpack, her lunch box and all her school supplies. She really enjoyed it. Even though I wasn’t the biggest fan of her backpack, she’s happy so I’m happy. This gives them some control over the situation.
Check out the classroom beforehand and meet the teachers.
Most schools will have open house or you can usually go before to meet the teachers. This helps a lot in the transition. The main benefit to this is that your child will see that this is a safe space. New places are really difficult for children so if they see you like the environment and teacher, they will be more open to it as well.
Send something in to remind them of home.
If possible, send something small to remind them of you. If they allow a stuffed animal, a special pencil, a sticker on their shirt or maybe stamp on their hand. When they miss you they can touch or see the item which will give them some security.
Involve them in packing their lunch.
If your kids are picky with food, it is great to have them involved in packing their lunch the night before or choosing what they want to eat. This will make it more likely they will finish their food and remembering you did it together will put a smile on their face.
Be consistent at drop off and pick up.
Lastly, and most important: be consistent! Don’t linger at drop off and play with them. Give them hugs and kisses, be gentle and leave. And never sneak away! It is more important you tell them you are leaving. We may want to see them smiling when we leave, but it is better for them to wave goodbye and know you have left. Of course, don’t yell at them either and expect them not to cry. it’s normal for our kids to be scared and cry. Validate their feelings and remind them you will be back to pick them up. At pick up, if possible let them know when you are coming: after nap, after snack, after recess etc. Of course days might change but it is important they have an idea when you will be back.
Hope this helps! Safa is starting preschool after being home with me for a little and its still nerve wrecking as ever. I’ll be utilizing these tips too and inshallah I hope they can benefit!.