6 Tips to help Child Adjust to PreSchool/ Home to Preschool transition

6 tips for easy Home to Preschool Transition

First day at pre-school

Starting school is a very big milestone for a child and parents. Most kids start preschool or playgroup when they are between 2 to 4 years old. Preschool offers many benefits, but it can be daunting for the little one to leave the safety and familiarity of home and join a new establishment full of strangers. Parents might also be anxious whether the child is ready for play school or not. Here we discuss a few steps you can take to make it easier for yourself and your child to adjust to the new school.

Communicate to your child about school

Start talking about school much before the child is ready to go. Show other kids who go to school, show the school bus. Tell her what school is and that she will meet and make lots of new friends there. Tell her about new toys and swings that she will get there and so on. Make the place sound nice and inviting.

Do not create a negative image of school. E.g. we heard a mom scolding her naughty 2 year old son that if he didn’t stop acting up, she will also send her to the school away from her like neighbour’s child. Never ever tell a child that if she is being naughty, that she will be sent to school as a punishment. This will create a lasting impression and your child will not take to it in a positive way.

Home to Preschool transition

Choose a good preschool- make an informed decision

Choose a preschool by doing enough research. Look at the distance, teachers, facilities etc. to ensure it will suit you and your child. Read more on how to choose a good preschool for your child.

Phase out separation while transitioning from home to preschool

Separation anxiety is common in children between the age of 1 and 3,  so try to phase out separation. Most schools allow parents to be with the children for the first few days. Depending on how your child reacts, you can be with the child for the entire duration and encourage the child to enjoy in the new environment. After the child is a little comfortable in 2-3 days, gradually reduce the time you spend with the child. Leave the child for half an hour, then one hour and so on. Tell the school staff to inform you if at all your child starts crying. Go and pick her up immediately. This will instil confidence the child that you are there whenever she wants you.

Again, some kids adjust better than others, so if your child is happy at school try not to linger on too much and let the child enjoy.

Ease child’s anxieties and fears

Children at this age are still not adept at talking and expressing everything in words, so be very understanding and gentle. If the child is scared or does not want to go, try to talk to her but do not force.

Talk to the Teacher

A teacher can help make the transition easier for the child. Sometimes it can be difficult for a child to adjust in new surroundings and an understanding and friendly teacher can make it easier. Check if the teacher can speak your mother tongue. Getting spoken to in a familiar language can be reassuring for the child.

 

Separation can be tough for parents too

Not just children but parents too may be anxious about this transition, especially the primary caregiver. It might be difficult to see your child go away and spend time with others when it used to be you. You may also miss the child during school hours. Find some engagement for yourself and look at it as a me-time which you can spend on things you like to do for yourself. Pursue some hobbies that you have been planning to for long time.



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11 Replies to “6 Tips to help Child Adjust to PreSchool/ Home to Preschool transition”

  1. Lynne says:

    Hi!! My son is going to be 2.6 in June, is it necessary to put him in playgroup or shall I put him directly in nursery next year?? Kindly advise! I am a stay at home mom
    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Priya Sachan says:

      It is absolutely OK to put him directly to nursery. Playgroup is more about making them comfortable in alien surroundings away from home and making friends. If he has enough company at home, siblings or friends, then you may put him in nursery directly.

      Reply
  2. Atul Kumar Rai says:

    वाह..एक कहीं न लिखे जाने वाले टॉपिक पर बहुत ही जरूरी सा ब्लॉग। हालांकि मैं अभी कुंवारा हूँ। लेकिन अपने बड़े भाई को आपके ब्लॉग की लिंक भेज दिया है। ?

    Reply
  3. Alpana Deo says:

    I was nodding on every point. Creating a positive image of school is very important. I have followed each and every point with my daughter. Now it’s my son’s turn.

    Reply
  4. Gunjan says:

    My son is going to be 2 soon and I was planning to put.him in a play school for few hours daily for easy transition later. Thanks for the tips

    Reply
  5. Rohini James says:

    I kind of learned the hard way with my first born. Hence my daughter was well prepared to move from preschool to regular school.

    Reply
  6. Mahak says:

    Very important to talk to the child about the changes that are going to happen. They understand more than we think they do. Also at that age kids adapt faster to changes, it is we parents who tend to have a harder time letting go

    Reply
  7. PRIYADARSHANI PANDA says:

    I am sharing this post with with my mommies group. The transition isn’t easy for both baby and momma but yes preparing them helps a lot.

    Reply
  8. Kavita Singh says:

    My toddler is starting a preschool next month and I am already in an anxiety phase. I love this blog. Saved it and will send to other moms who might need this. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Smita says:

    My son has been going to a daycare since he was 1.5 years old and I agree with you on all points. It is never easy but it is important to know how to handle this for both the parents and the baby.

    Reply
  10. Surbhi Mahobia says:

    My son will turn 2 soon and I am thinking about sending him to a playschool. I know that he will take some time to settle down since he as major separation anxiety. Thanks for these tips, will remember when the time comes.

    Reply

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