Upbringing a child is a fortune for every parent. Beginning preschool is a big step for a child and involves significant milestones, both for you as well as the kid. Realizing to normalize spending time apart might be tricky, but this will ultimately fade away with the new learnings.
Parents can simplify this process by making a few trials. It will ensure that the new experience is exciting and memorable for your little one. To help you with the same, here are a few leads to ease this transition and make the journey more fun!
1- Discuss the change with your kid
Talking over something always works. Have a casual discussion with your little one and notice how they react to it. Make the toddler aware of what preschool is about and activities involved, meeting new people and eventually making a few friends. Meanwhile, gently prepare them because they have to deprive themselves of your assistance until that duration. Although beginning to talk about the same a few months in advance shall work, make sure you don’t overdo it. It may rather lead them to anxiety instead of helping them out.
2- Fix a sleep time routine
There is no fixed schedule to sleep and wake up during infancy. Hence, this is the time to introduce sleeping habits in your toddler’s schedule. Most kids require enough sleep, stretching from 11-14 hours. An efficient division can be preferably 11 hours of night sleep and 2-3 hours of a daytime nap. Generally, a kid takes about two months to adapt to the new routine. Getting them in bed early at night will overcome any morning tiredness. It also provides them enough time to prepare for the day ahead.
3- Make time for reading
Storytelling helps to enhance reading skills in your toddler.
Including reading and storytelling habits in their sleep time routine will be a definite plus! It is excellent to begin reading stories to your child within the early years itself. Storytelling helps them to develop a likeness towards books and keeps them motivated. Additionally, it also enhances their vocabulary and develops self-confidence. Tucking your little one in bed with a book in one hand is always a great idea. To get started with what books to read during bedtime, check this out.
4- Make them consistent
Consistency is the key to success. It is very well applicable to most of the tasks, which seem hard to us. Kids are creatures of practice, and they perform well when adapted to a set routine. It also helps them develop skills like sequencing, time management, and discipline. Practice a routine that first calms them down, following them to drowse gently. Try to stick around the same routine and give your best to make an order around it.
5- Ask them about their daily experiences
It’s always a great idea to discuss the happenings with your child over the day. Discussing experiences strengthens the bond between you and your toddler, bridging the distance they experienced while being away from you. Start by talking about your day and elaborate on the events during your usual routine. Once this gets in place, you will notice your child is looking ahead to catch you up! When you face a behavioral issue with the kid, a bedtime conversation can do wonders to resolve the affair.
6- Let them become independent
Kids tend to learn most when they do things on their own. Take the first step towards their independence by letting them do a few basic chores. Everyday activities like buttoning up a shirt, wearing socks, putting their books in the bag, folding up a handkerchief, tying shoelaces are suitable to begin with. In addition to all this, introduce the child to feed themselves. Initiate training them on using a spoon or a fork to lift food from their plate. To learn more about activities that might be helpful in your kid’s preschool prep, check this blog.
7- Take them on a familiarization trip to a nearby kindergarten
If you have already decided which preschool your kid needs to get admitted into, plan up a family visit for your toddler. Drive them to the school and direct them towards it with excitement. Keep them involved by telling them there will be swings around and many more activities to have fun, how they will find other kids and play along with them. If possible, take them into a live class to experience the inner environment and what it looks like in reality.
8- Help them become emotionally strong
The separation will bring tears along, which is quite normal as well. Both, you and your little one, shall find it challenging to adjust to this sudden distance between you. Especially during the initial days, the struggle will be honest. Remember that your child gets strength from you. Do not worry, be patient and stay positive. Once your toddler fixes the situation and adjusts with the new environment at their preschool, goodbyes won’t hurt anymore.
Summarization
Upbringing a child is a journey that’s challenging and rewarding at the same time. Trust the process and live these precious moments enough.
Breathe, relax and enjoy while you dive into this delightful new phase in your kid’s life.
Happy Parenting!