How to prepare your child for preschool?

Preschool is the second unit of socialisation, following the family. When a child enters pre-school, they are facing a delicate transition. Everyone involved in his or her life needs to facilitate this transition so that it is as smooth as possible. The role of parents becomes especially important since they know their children better than anyone else. So as parents, below are some issues that the preschool goers initially face and how you can prepare your little one for this first step of a life-long journey.

Dealing with separation anxiety

It is a given that your child is going to face separation anxiety in the first few weeks and it may not abate for the first few months. Start talking to your child well in advance about this. In fact, if you are parents who are used to spending all day with your child, leave them with a trusted person for a few hours every day in the lead up to pre-school, so that your child will get used to being away from you.

Spending time with other children

One of the major differences between the atmosphere at home and in preschool is the presence of peers. For someone who is used to being the center of attention, it may be difficult to adjust with others. So, before you climb the steps of the preschool, encourage your child to play with other children, invite other children over and go for play dates.

Communicating effectively while at preschool

One of the barriers to socialisation can be language. If your child is not familiar with the language being predominantly spoken in class by everyone (not necessarily English, even if the medium of instruction is English), it will end up making your child feel isolated.  Try to communicate with your child in languages other than the mother tongue if possible.

Having a fixed routine

Your child may not be used to a fixed routine. But as soon as school starts they will have to follow a routine beginning with waking up at a fixed time, to having meals at a particular hour, to sleeping at a regular time. Start cultivating this routine even before your child joins preschool.

Toilet training

This might seem obvious, nonetheless it is an important part of early school life. Your child should be able to tell the adults around that they wish to go to the washroom so that they do not soil themselves. A few instances of this may happen but this should not become a regular feature, because it will hinder your child from adjusting.

We can prepare ourselves and our children for what is to come, for after all the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Leave the rest to trained teachers and staff. Preschools like Aptech International Preschool creates a smart, secure, and stimulating environment for your child.

Did we miss out something? Parents, let us know in the comments below.