The first day at daycare or preschool could be an overwhelming experience for you and your little one, both. It’s a significant transition in your child’s life as it is the first time they will spend time away from their parents and home. You are probably wondering how their transition to a new environment and interaction with new faces can be as smooth as possible.
Besides finding the right preschool and daycare for toddlers, preparing your child for the next stage in their life is crucial. Here are a few things parents can do to ensure their young one feels confident and comfortable on their first day at preschool or childcare.
Visit a couple of times before the first day
Teachers are strangers to your child, so they might not feel comfortable when they meet them for the first time and spend a long time in a new environment. The first drop-off becomes easy when your child recognizes the place and the teachers. Make your child feel confident and safe by visiting the childcare or preschool with your child a couple of days before their big day.
Talk more about their preschool or daycare and new classmates
Parents can make their children familiar with the idea of daycare and preschool by talking about their new school and explaining changes in their routines. Introduce the concept of making friends, sharing things, listening to the teacher, and more to them through pretend play. Read books and watch shows that have episodes on the first day at a preschool or daycare center. When dropping them off, remind them how much fun the child in the show or storybook had on their first day.
Make changes to their regular schedule
A child’s first experience with preschool teachers and children can be intimidating, regardless of how positive the preschool or daycare center environment is. Since a sudden change in the routine can be scary for young children, consider making small changes to their regular schedule. Explain why they should go to bed on time and wake up early in the morning. Change their at-home nap time to the daycare or preschool’s napping schedule so teachers can help them get to sleep with ease.
Get them excited about going to preschool or daycare
Tell your child that preschool or daycare center is a fun place to visit, where they will meet new children, make friends, play with toys, and enjoy more activities. If you have already met the teachers, keep reminding your child of their names and talk about them frequently. It will get them excited to meet again. Pretend and play with your child that you are in daycare, having lunch, taking a nap, playing with other children, whenever you spend time together.
Label your child’s belongings
Preschool teachers often struggle with dozens of items for different children in their care. By labeling children’s things, parents can make their tasks easy and prevent their young ones from getting cranky over their belongings. The practice also ensures that your child doesn’t lose any items at the daycare center.
Experiencing separation anxiety is expected on your child’s first day at preschool or daycare, but you have to stay strong and confident as your child can sense your feelings. And if you have chosen the preschool and daycare for toddlers, you can leave all your worries aside as experienced and skilled teachers know how to take care of young children.
