As your child’s first day of preschool approaches, it’s natural to feel concerned about separation anxiety – a common experience for babies and toddlers alike. Nearly all children between 18 months to 3 years old may exhibit signs of separation anxiety, stemming from their growing awareness of dependency and attachment to caregivers.
Understanding the root of separation anxiety is crucial. Toddlers and young children, in their developmental phase, are not only realising their reliance on trusted adults, but also expanding their imaginative capabilities. This combination can magnify their worries about being separated from their primary caregivers, making transitions like preschool drop-offs seem daunting.
Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to ease this transition for both you and your child.
How to prepare your child before the first day of preschool
1
Introduce the idea
of school in advance
Before your child’s first day even begins, initiate positive discussions about preschool to build anticipation. Highlight the array of engaging activities and opportunities that await them. Encourage excitement by exploring the possibilities together and discuss the fun experiences they can look forward to, such as meeting new friends, participating in fun lessons and learning new arts and crafts.
2
Familiarise your child with
the preschool environment
Take a proactive step by visiting the preschool with your child before their start date. This allows them to familiarise themselves with the surroundings, transforming the unfamiliar into a comforting space. Introduce the various activity and learning spaces within the centre and allow your child to envision themselves participating in enriching experiences there.
Such visits can be arranged at selected Star Learners centres to ensure our young learners feel comfortable and confident about their upcoming preschool experience. By showing children what they can look forward to, such as toys, books and other learning materials we use, they can eagerly anticipate their next visit.
3
Ease into separation
through playdates
Gradually introduce your child to the concept of spending time without you by arranging playdates with trusted family members or friends. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for your child to navigate social interactions and activities independently.
By practising separation in familiar settings, they become more resilient and prepared for the preschool environment, where their peers and educators will provide companionship and support.
How to prepare your child on the first day of preschool
1. Establish a short, reassuring goodbye routine
Children at this age likely have very specific interests gleaned from things like their favourite television shows, hobbies or even daily conversations! Align book choices with these interests to capture their attention.
If they love animals, for instance, look for books that feature animal characters or explain animals’ lives. Also, choose books that mirror real-life experiences, such as friendship encounters. Such stories can develop their social-emotional skills, deepen their connection to the real world and enhance their understanding of human relationships.
1. Establish a short, reassuring goodbye routine
Ideally, you should start practising a brief yet comforting goodbye routine with your child before the first day of preschool arrives. Keep it short so that your child can’t dwell on your departure while ensuring they understand that you’ll return just as you have before.
Once they get used to the routine and the idea that you’ll always return, children can feel better about being dropped off daily at school.
2. Follow through on your promise for pickup
A big part of boosting confidence in your child is nurturing their trust in you and others. To do that, make sure you always follow through on when you say you’ll return after a separation.
If you say you’ll pick them up at noon, for instance, be sure to pick them up at noon. Consistent follow-through demonstrates your dependability, fostering their ability to adjust to longer periods without you.
3. Pack a comfort item
If your preschool allows it, consider packing a comfort item in your child’s bag, such as their favourite soft toy or blanket. Familiar objects can provide a sense of security amidst the new environment.
Do inform the teachers about this item to ensure a seamless integration into your child’s daily routine. At Star Learners, we encourage a drop-off routine that helps children become more comfortable in their new learning environment. This means we do all we can to align our efforts with parents when guiding little ones through this new stage of their lives.
3. Pack a comfort item
If your preschool allows it, consider packing a comfort item in your child’s bag, such as their favourite soft toy or blanket. Familiar objects can provide a sense of security amidst the new environment.
Do inform the teachers about this item to ensure a seamless integration into your child’s daily routine. At Star Learners, we encourage a drop-off routine that helps children become more comfortable in their new learning environment. This means we do all we can to align our efforts with parents when guiding little ones through this new stage of their lives.
4. Manage your own emotions
While it’s natural to feel emotional on your child’s first day of preschool (in all likelihood, this will be your first time being away from your child for so long too!), strive to manage your feelings in their presence.
Children are sensitive to emotions and may mirror them. Maintain a positive demeanour during drop-offs, offering smiles and friendly interactions with teachers to instil confidence in your child’s new experiences.
Let us help make the transition to preschool easier
Our recommendations above aim to facilitate a smooth transition into preschool for your child.
At Star Learners, our trained educators collaborate with parents to help ease separation anxiety and nurture your little one into a confident and independent preschooler. Through empowering and engaging programmes, we introduce children to the joy of learning, independence and develop their love for learning and life in school!
Discover more about Star Learners and how an enriching experience in the early years can greatly benefit your child. Enquire or register for a virtual tour at any of our 44 Star Learners centres island-wide!
