Adjusting to preschool is challenging for a kid. Therefore, it is your responsibility as their parent to prepare and assist them during their transition into preschool. The best way to do that is by helping your kid develop resilience and independence.
Use the tips below to prepare the little one to join a child care centre:
1. Go Easy on the Preparation
Though preparing your kid for preschool is essential, you should be careful not to overdo it. When you talk to your child about joining preschool months ahead of time, they will begin feeling like it is a significant event in their lives. It can be overwhelming for them, and they may take longer to adjust. So, the best strategy is to talk about it casually, preferably two weeks before they enrol. Then, you can take a drive by the school and talk about the attractive things they will enjoy when they go to preschool.
2. Follow a Routine at Home
When your child attends preschool, they will have to follow a specific schedule because kids learn best with established routines. Routines are also important for teaching children order and time concepts. So, having a program that your kid follows at home will help them quickly adjust to the schedules in the child care centre. For instance, you can teach them to start their day by making their bed then freshening up. That way, your child will know that they are expected to do certain things at particular times.
3. Focus on Motor Skills
You can help your kid develop their motor skills before joining preschool by involving them in fun crafts in the house. For example, you can get modelling clay and help them to make shapes, numbers, and letters. The skills they learn from such crafts will make it easy for them to learn how to write using pencils and pens in preschool.
4. Plan for Overnight Stays with Friends or Relatives
Allowing your child to sleep at their friends' or relatives' homes is essential. Not only does it allow them to create connections with other people, but it also helps them develop independence away from you. As a result, they will not find it hard being away from you during long school hours.
Enrolling your kid in a child care facility is vital as it enables them to develop essential skills to help them in the future. However, it is crucial to prepare them for the transition to ensure they enjoy the benefits of going to preschool fully. The above tips will go a long way in making the transition seamless.
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