Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool: A Comprehensive Guide

Apr 15, 2023

Help your toddler adapt to preschool life by introducing routines, social skills, and independence, fostering a positive transition to a new and exciting learning environment.

Starting preschool marks the beginning of a new phase in your child's development. Every parent approaches this major milestone with conflicting emotions. As this is the first time your little one steps out of the house to explore the big wide world, he is bound to have a host of feelings. He might be excited and at the same time worried about being separated from you. 

Below are a few ideas to make the transition smoother:

Plan and prepare your child for schooling

Routines can help your child feel safe and secure, particularly when new things are happening. You can begin by introducing subtle changes to their daily schedule. For e.g. encourage them to wake up and sleep early, brush teeth, bathe, get dressed and have breakfast etc. You could even make a chart with pictures showing the different steps in the regime to help him familiarize with the school routine.

Be prepared for tears

Of course, there will be tears. Separation anxiety is absolutely normal for both parents and children. The initial few days may turn into teary goodbyes and a bit of a struggle but don’t worry, be patient and positive. Once your child settles down, goodbyes will be happy for sure.

Toilet Training

Toilet training is a very important part of a toddler’s life. It is something new for them to experience. You may set aside a few weeks to toilet train your child. Teach your toddler words needed for toilet training such as wet, pee and poop etc. When accidents happen, remember to tell them its okay. Ask your child to let his teacher know when his clothes are wet or soiled. This will help your child to develop a huge sense of independence.

Make time for Reading

Make sure you integrate reading books into the bed routine. It is important to begin reading to your child in the early years to foster a love for books. Reading also enhances a child’s vocabulary and provides them with rich language needed for success and confidence in school. It’s always a wonderful idea to tuck your little one into bed with a book.

Here are some good books which will help your child adjust to the new school environment:

1. First day by Margaret Wild
2. I love you all day long by Francesca Rusackas
3. Maisy goes to preschool by Lucy Cousins
4. Tom goes to kindergarten by Margaret Wild
5. What to expect at preschool by Heidi Murkoff
6. Victoria Bubbles and the great preschool adventure by Lizzie Dingle.

Act it out

Pretend play is a great activity to prepare your child for preschool. Take turns being the parent, child, and teacher. Pretend that you're going to school, hanging up your backpack, and sitting down for group time. Act out common daily routines, such as saying good-bye to mommy and/or daddy, singing songs, reading stories, having Circle Time, playing outside, and taking naps. Reassure your child that preschool is a good place where she will have fun and learn. Answer her questions patiently. This helps children feel more in control which reduces their anxiety.

Master self-help skills

Going to preschool marks a big developmental leap for your child. Help your toddler master self-help skills like washing hands, putting shoes and socks on, and wearing an apron, spreading table mat and eating independently. 

Learning to Share 

Sharing is a key part of getting along with others, so it becomes more important when your child starts going to preschool. Children learn a lot from just watching what their parents do. When you model good sharing and turn-taking in your family, it gives your children a great example to follow. Children need to learn to share so they can make and keep friends, play cooperatively, take turns, negotiate and cope with disappointment. 

Reflection at bedtime

It is very important to reflect on the day’s happenings with your child. This is best done in your alone time with the child. Talk about what went well and what could have been better. This could also include your own day’s happenings and not just the child’s. Bedtime talk boosts your child’s confidence and nurtures a sense of optimism about all the things he may do and experience the next day at school. 

Preschool is a time of tremendous growth. With just a little preparation, you can make this transition a confidence-building experience for both you and your child.