HOW TO HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER SETTLE IN SCHOOL

HOW TO HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER SETTLE IN SCHOOL

Finally, the time has come for your little angel to join a school. The transition from home to school, however, needs to be managed correctly, so that your child is not stressed.

Below are some hints on how to help your child cope with the first few days in school.

1. Prepare yourselves.

Talk to your child long before to explain the need for going to school, and what happens there. Older siblings can help psyche up your younger child for school. You can also visit a few schools and see which one your baby likes best. Some schools even allow the child to visit for a few hours to get a feel of school life. You can also get reviews of different schools from other parents, as well as tips on how to handle the first few days of school.

2. Organize yourself.

Once you settle on a school, the real work begins. Make a checklist indicating what you need for the first day. Buy whatever you need in advance so that you are not rushing around the day before school opens. Label uniforms, lunch boxes and water bottles in good time. Find out about the transport arrangements and meals. If possible, pay the school fees early to avoid long queues. If you have everything ready by the time school opens, you will have more time to help your child transition into school life.

3. Manage your anxieties.

The parent is usually more anxious about the first days of school than the child is. As a parent, you need to handle your fears so that they do not rub off on the child. Share your worries with your spouse, partner or a close friend. Do not let your child know that you are a bundle of nerves.

4. Give yourselves enough preparation time in the morning.

Your child should enjoy the process of getting ready for school. A mad morning rush puts everybody on edge, and as a result, the child may be stressed. Wake up earlier every morning on school days and prepare your child in a relaxed manner. Give the child time to eat breakfast as you chat. If you need to leave for work before your baby goes to school, give your helper the same instructions.

5. Set a routine.

Children work best when given a routine to follow. Developing a routine for before and after school can work to your advantage. The morning routine should include a specific wake-up time, breakfast and changing clothes in the order that works best for you. Let the after-school routine include a meal, nap, homework, playtime and of course, bedtime.

Note that bedtime should be earlier on school days, because of the earlier wake-up times. Set definite times for going to bed and waking up, bearing in mind that your child needs enough rest after a long day at school.

6. Communicate.

Find out how your child is coping at school. Talk about the teacher, friends, school bus, meals and anything else that relates to school. These conversations help the parent know whether the child is adjusting or not. If your kid does not seem to be handling things well, be there to reassure and support.

Develop a rapport with your child's teacher. If your child has trouble coping, work together with the teacher to make the transition period easier. Remember that your child spends several hours with the teacher daily, and as such, he or she is best placed to know how things are going in school.

7. Be realistic.

Not every child copes well at first. If your baby does not handle change very well, you will notice an increase in tears and toilet accidents. At this point, reassure your child in a loving manner. Ask the teacher for advice on how to handle the sudden changes in your child. If you handle this period correctly, your baby will grow to love school and will be crying for his teacher on the weekends.

Parents, remember that children are different. Treat your baby as an individual. If the process of starting school goes well, you will have a happy child.  Even if there are few hiccups, with your support and encouragement, your child will adjust to the new surroundings in no time. Most importantly, be a loving parent.

All the best!

See the link below for tips on choosing a preschool. http://alisonkiriinya.blogspot.co.ke/2016/10/10-important-points-that-should.html