Taking a Toddler to Preschool for the First Time
Taking your toddler to preschool for the first time represents a huge step in his life. Expect plenty of tears -- from you or your toddler, or both. Preparation can mean the difference between a successful first day and a disastrous one, but even with faultless planning, rocky first days still commonly occur. Both you and your toddler will adjust to preschool in no time, so don't let a bad first day discourage you if it happens.
Other People Are Reading
-
Preparation
-
The worst possible way to start a lifetime of school experiences is to drop your child off with no preparation. Even if your toddler doesn't talk much, he understands much of what you say. Tell him about school in terms he understands. Picture books about going to school show him what to expect. Driving by the school or stopping in to visit if the school allows it gives your child firsthand familiarity with the building and possibly his teacher.
Don't Take No for an Answer
-
It's important to present school as a definite event, not an option, unless you really want your toddler deciding when she's ready to go to preschool. Expect a verbal toddler to voice her disapproval over the idea of school at least part of the time. Even preschoolers who go to school willingly most of the time sometimes wake up and announce that they're skipping school today. Most people don't have a choice on whether to attend institutions like school or work. If your child is emotionally ready for school, she's old enough to understand that arguing won't get her out of going -- although she may still try.
-
Getting Out the Door
-
You may decide to make the first day a big deal -- with new shoes, new backpack, new clothes and a new toy as a bribe to get in the car. Some kids do it better if you play it low-key; the extra hype and excitement may push them over the emotional brink, with tears and physical upsets like diarrhea or stomachache. You know your own child best, so follow your instincts. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready that first day so you don't stress over getting out of the house on time.
Walking Into the Classroom
-
You may have to carry your child into class the first day or pry him like a leech off your leg. Some schools allow parents to hang around on the first day, while others suggest you leave the room but watch through one-way glass. This is hard to do when your toddler is screaming and clutching your leg, but watching through the glass for a few minutes lets you evaluate whether he's settling down or if he needs you to stay with him a bit longer.
Reviewing the First Day
-
Don't expect too much information about your child's first day. You may get "I don't know" as an answer to every question, from whether she had a good time to who her teacher is. The first day of school, like the first day at an adult job, showers your child with information overload. It may take her some time to process everything and communicate to you what goes on at school. On the other hand, your little Ms. Busybody may come home ready to run the class, full of information about every child and all the teachers. Count your blessings if you get one nugget of information each day for the first few weeks of school.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
