Helping Your Child Adjust to Preschool
You're standing outside the preschool holding your child's hand as he is about to step across the threshold into a new world. Perhaps he is crying and clinging tightly to your leg or maybe he's jumping up and down in front of the window trying to catch a glimpse of his new classroom, ready and eager to start. Maybe you're the one who's crying, wondering how the years could have passed by so quickly.
Whatever your child's disposition, he still needs you to help him adjust to those first few weeks of preschool and it is imperative that you speak positively about his new environment. In fact it is usually the parent who instills feelings of insecurity and fear in the child, says Andrea Parish, a preschool teacher for twelve years. "It is extremely important for the parent to be enthusiastic about the school that his or her child will be attending. Children can sense feelings of fear and insecurity and adopt these feelings for themselves".
If your child has never been looked after by anyone other than her immediate caregivers, then she might have difficulties adjusting to preschool. The best thing is to leave her for short periods of time with a popular neighborhood babysitter or an aunt or older cousin so she will be comfortable with another adult. "You'd be surprised how many children have never been left with anyone other than their parents", says Andrea. If your child throws a tantrum when you are about to leave her at school, Andrea suggests staying with her for about ten minutes, calming her down and getting her interested in participating in the class. Then let her know you are leaving, never sneak out, and wait outside the classroom for a few minutes until you are sure that she is all right. Many times the child will calm down after a parent leaves but if her crying becomes desperate and more intense, then the teacher should call the parent to come pick her up. Sometimes a child is simply too young for preschool. In that case, the parent should wait another year and try again.
Always pack healthy snacks for your child that are low in sugar and fat. Ask him what he would like to take and give him two or three items to choose from. Let him decide what he would like to wear to school and if your son wants to wear his superman costume, let him! It will make for interesting conversation at school. Besides, preschool teachers have seen it all; so don't worry if your daughter wants to wear a flowered t-shirt with striped pants.
If your child is having difficulties adjusting to his new environment, just be as positive as you can and keep trying. It won't be long before he hangs up his coat and with a quick "bye mom" runs off to join his friends!
