Heading to preschool is a big change for everyone and the adjustment can be difficult for both you and your toddler. Some of the best advice for the parents of preschoolers is how to effectively handle the first day of preschool and make it a positive experience for all.
If you and your child are about to make the leap into a formal classroom environment for the first time, here are a few things you can do to make sure the first day runs as smoothly as possible.
Sending your baby off to preschool is hard! You may be experiencing a whole mix of difficult emotions, and understandably so. However, it's important that you remain calm and put on a strong and calm front for your child. If you're anxious and stressed, your child will be too, so staying calm and being positive (especially during drop off) will be beneficial for everyone. When it comes to giving advice for the parents of preschoolers, this is possibly one of the most important tips for handling the first day of school!
Let your child pick out his own backpack, lunchbox, and school supplies to give him a sense of control during the whole process. This can help make things fun and exciting and may give him something to look forward to on the first day.
A week before the big day, it's a good idea to get your child accustomed to the schedule and routine they will experience at preschool. If possible, have him wake up at the time needed to get to school on time and practice the morning routine (getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, driving or walking to the school, etc.) You can also try to mimic the school's schedule as closely as you can at home. These things will help him mentally and physically prepare for the big day.
Visiting your child's preschool before his first day of class can be a helpful experience for both of you. It can help provide clear expectations and may even help your child be more excited about the prospect of going to school, especially if he sees all the fun toys and activities in the room.
If you're still feeling anxious, check out parenting forums online and parenting apps to chat with other moms and dads. They are likely to have many additional excellent tips on how to handle the first day of preschool like a pro.
Eldon Broady writes about a social networking app connecting women across fertility and motherhood. You can find his thoughts at mum guide blog. Check out this website to learn more about a pregnancy community app.