Sending your kid for their first day at playschool can be intimidating for a parent. As parents, we constantly worry if our child will adjust to a new environment with new people, whether they will make friends, and so on. We are always concerned about the safety of the facilities of the nursery, the experience that the staff bring and so on. It is in a parent’s nature to worry, even when we double and triple check every single little detail before sending our kid. So here are some do’s and don’ts on how to make kindergarten easy for your little one.
So, what are some of the things to keep in mind while prepping your child for their first day?
According to Sarah Afshar, principal at The Palace Nursery, here is a concise list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind that will make your kid’s transition to nursery smooth and easy:
- DO: Tour the nursery with your child and take lots of pictures
Before enrolling your child, make sure you tour the nursery and take lots of pics of the different facilities available. These pictures can be used as reference to keep reminding your child where they will be joining in the next few days, once you decide to enroll them.
- DO: Give your child a sense of identity
Spend some time everyday teaching your child their full name, age, the names of their mom and dad, their sibling’s names and the names of their grandparents. These are some of the basic things that they will be asked when they meet new people and being able to answer these questions will make them more confident.
- DO: Encourage them towards their strengths and likes
If your child prefers to read and write, and does not love to play ball outside, focus on these skills that they possess and allow them to strengthen it. Both literacy and numeracy skills are developed in a child’s early childhood through play.
- DON’Ts: Push them on skills they are not able to catch up with
On the other hand, if they are unable to spell out or write their name, let them be. All children progress and learn at different speeds and this does not mean that one child is slower than the other. Teach them to be confident in the skills they possess and to be patient to learn the skills they do not excel in.
- DO: Be honest with the nursery staff
Do not hesitate to share important facts about your child with your nursery staff. For instance, notes about their health, developmental pace, learning curves, and anything else of importance that could affect the way your child grows and develops as an individual.
Once the D-day arrives,
- DON’Ts: Linger around or make unexpected visits
Once you have sent your child in for their first day, leave once they have settled in. Being anxious is expected, and not knowing whether your child will be fine is a big concern. But they will only be fine if you take the first step and leave them behind to enjoy their first day. Also, do not make sudden visits and drop by to say hi. By doing this, you are making your child more dependent on you, and that is in no way going to help them learn and grow on their own.
- DO: Volunteer and be an active part of their life at nursery (Only when required!)
Instead of being a paranoid parent, be an active member at your kid’s nursery. Communicate with the teachers and the principal, and volunteer in various events and celebrations. This will give you and your child a sense of belonging and community.
- DO: Keep an ongoing conversation with the nursery on your child’s progress
Speak with the teachers and ensure that you are in the know when it comes to your child’s progress and development in the nursery.
Once you have these points set straight, stride in to the nursery and drop your child. Be confident, your child is where he is meant to be!
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