School starts in just a couple of weeks and many new parents will be sending their infants and toddlers to preschool for the first time…really scary. I wanted to help by providing some easy tips and things to think about to make this the best experience ever!!
Starting Preschool for the Very First Time!
Preschool starts in five more days and you’re already getting those butterflies in your stomach. After all, it’s the first time your “baby” will be spending her days without you. While it’s exciting, you wonder how anyone can do as good a job as you?
Relax… take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for being such great parents! After all, your little one wouldn’t be ready for preschool without all your tender loving care.
The following tips should make this transition easier.
Getting Ready
If preschool starts earlier than little Jody is used to getting up, change the schedule a few weeks before school starts. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get a tired, cranky child out the door in the morning.
Pick out her clothes the night before. If she’s old enough, let her choose.
It’s a good idea to get your little one up a half hour earlier those first few days of preschool. Getting ready sometimes takes longer than you think.
If you need to send lunch, pack it the night before.
If you need to send baby food, taking in two week’s worth of food makes life easier.
Don’t worry if your toddler wants the same thing for lunch each day. As long it’s healthy and she eats, variety may not be her spice of life at this age.
Never let your child bring anything valuable to preschool, even if it’s just for circle time. Things sometimes get lost in the shuffle of activities.
Time for School
The first day of school is the most difficult for any new parent. If possible, ask your husband to come along and plan a special celebration breakfast after dropping off your little one.
When you arrive in the classroom, walk your toddler over to her cubby and ask her to put everything away. Teaching independence from the first day is great for self esteem.
If there are centers set-up in the room, let your toddler pick the one that looks best to her.
If your toddler is having a shy morning, walk her over to a new friend and stand with them until they are happily playing.
If you are going to take pictures, make those Kodak moments short and sweet. The longer you stay, the more difficult it is to leave.
Before you leave, tell your toddler that it’s her job to have a good time and your job to go to work.
Plant a special kiss in each hand for safe-keeping in case she needs it later.
One good-bye is enough. No matter how tempting, don’t come back for more. Your apprehension will only make your child nervous.
When it’s time for you to leave and your little one just won’t let go of your leg as her crying gets more dramatic. Ask the teacher to take over and use all your willpower to walk out the door
If the above is an everyday occurrence, let your little one bring a special lovey each morning. Make sure to tell her that it goes in the cubby when school starts.
Never sneak out. Let your child know you are leaving and will always come back.
If she wants to know when you will be back, ask the teacher what activity the class will be doing at pick-up time and share it with your child. ”Mommy will be back after story time.” Association is easier than watching the clock.
Try your best not to drop in for a visit. It’s disruptive to your child and the classroom, especially if she is having a difficult time adjusting.
Request that the teacher call you if your little one doesn’t settle down. But remember, those first few days are a transition for everyone. This too shall pass.
If your little one is in the infant room and won’t stop crying, give her a kiss goodbye and let the teacher take her. Most babies calm down as soon as mommy leaves.
If your little one is in the infant room, ask for a written report each day. Many infant rooms ask you to fill out the top of the report(each morning) and they complete the bottom for you.
If your baby’s schedule, eating habits, etc. have changed since you filled out the paperwork, bring the changes in writing. There is nothing worse than a teacher having to guess why your baby won’t eat squash when you said it was her favorite.
No matter what fears you might have, always show your child the happy and positive side, no negativity. Preschool should be fun!
Tears are normal. Let them flow after you’ve dropped off your child. There is nothing more frightening than seeing mommy cry.
Ask for a classroom rooster with the other parent’s names and phone numbers and plan a “get acquainted” meeting.
If you feel uneasy about anything in the classroom, Don’t keep it to yourself. Ask questions before you leave. Never go to work with that nervous lump in your throat.
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Starting preschool is a wonderful new chapter in all your lives. If you can walk out of the classroom each day with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart, then you’ve made the right decision. Be proud.
©Blythe Lipman 2010
