5 Ways to Get Your Toddler Psyched for Preschool

“For children, the main source of anxiety around entering preschool is that they have absolutely no idea what to expect,” Katrina Green, certified early childhood and early childhood special education teacher. (quote from parents.com)

You’ve done the preschool research, gone through the legwork, attended countless Preschool Open Houses and FINALLY picked out the perfect school for your little one. Now its time for a quick sigh of relief before tackling the next mammoth task of Mommyhood – explaining to Junior that he needs to leave the nest (at least for a few hours a day). Here’s a quick heads-up on what kind of response to expect, and how best to nudge the little fledgling out into the big world.

1. Be prepared for a war

To a very young child, hearing the news about preschool could be catastrophic; his entire world is changing, and he needs to leave all that is close and familiar to him. He’s scared, anxious, worried and doesn’t know how to deal with these new emotions – so this transition period could be the time you truly find out how much noise and chaos a very small person can create. Hang in tight through the tantrum, though – separation anxiety is perfectly normal, and will ease off over time.

Even if your child doesn’t start World War 3 at home, you’re not out of the woods yet – young children don’t always communicate their distress verbally, and let their feelings manifest in the form of clingy behaviour, sulkiness, or a sudden loss of independence instead. So try not to get too upset with Junior should he mysteriously lose the ability to tie his own shoelaces upon hearing the news of starting preschool – draw from your inner pool of motherly patience, and try some of the other transitioning activities below.

2. Arrange for some “away time”

Unfortunately, children who have been brought up at home under the watchful eye of Mummy and Daddy since birth often have a harder time adjusting to preschool than those who have spent time away from their parents – be it with their grandparents, babysitters or uncles and aunties.

If your child has never been separated from you for longer than 5 minutes, you might want to consider loosening the apron strings even before preschool starts. A day with Ah Gong and Ah Ma or a weekend with the relatives in Malaysia could help him get used to the fact that you won’t always be there with him, but that other caring grown-ups will look out for him in your absence.

3. Talk, talk, talk

The most important thing your child needs before starting preschool is an understanding of what’s going on, so he doesn’t get misconceptions about being abandoned or unwanted while at school. Be sure to explain what preschool is thoroughly; let him know what he will be doing there, who will take care of him, how often he will be there, when you will go get him, and more. Assure him that preschool is a fun place where he will many other children and make new friends, and invite him to ask you questions about it.

4. Play-acting

Pretend to have a day at the preschool with your child at home. Simulate the activities of the entire day, including getting up at the right time, getting dressed, going to the centre and saying goodbye (though this is a fake goodbye, it’d help get your child used to doing it). Make sure you let him experience things he will need to do himself while at school – such as opening and closing his bag, retying his shoelaces should they come undone, feeding himself, and letting the ‘teacher’ (you) know when he needs to go to the bathroom.

5. Schedule an accompanied visit to school

Taking your little one for a visit to the preschool before lessons start properly will help him to start getting used to the new environment. If your preschool allows it, sit in for a session (or a couple of classes) with your child so he can see what’s going on and get to know some of the other children in his class. Play in the playground with him and eat in the cafeteria together (again, if your preschool allows it) so he will become familiar with the school’s environment, and will adjust better to your eventual absence.

“Transitioning can be tricky for young ones, especially if it’s a place where they will be spending a large part of their day. Get them as familiar with their new school as possible by scheduling a tour or any other options the school may offer.” Early childhood expert Ashley Jefferson (quote from care.com)