Is your child ready for preschool? If your child has been attending daycare, you may think that he or she will automatically be ready for the preschool environment, however, this may not be the case. Here are some ways that you can help prepare your child for preschool.
Preschool Idea #1- Encourage your Child to Spend time with Others
Before you can expect your child to play with other children, you must first expose him or her to other playmates. This is the best training to introduce your child to concepts such as sharing and taking turns. Many preschoolers are isolated from other children and this can make integration into the preschool more traumatic. By simply arranging for your child to have play dates with friends, or by enrolling him or her in a social gathering, you can ensure that your child will have the exposure needed to feel confident in a social setting.
Preschool Idea #2- Acknowledge Your Child’s Fears
It is very important that if your child tells you that he or she is fearful about starting preschool, that you acknowledge their fears and don’t dismiss them. Many times, well-meaning parents shrug off their children’s fears and in turn reply with upbeat and positive replies. However, it is crucial to your child’s emotional development that they express their fears and insecurities and feel that they are acknowledged. To help them overcome their nervousness, try watching a video together that pertains to starting school, or even read a book together that discusses it. The Franklin series, by Paulette Bourgeois, has a great book called, “Franklin Goes to School”. You can also browse for more titles at your local library.
By taking the time to prepare your child, instilling routines or rituals, and planning on more activities for your child that involve other children, you can ensure that your little one will be well prepared when it is time for him or her to start preschool.
