PreSchool / Pre-Primary

The start of preschool is a milestone that's often anticipated with great excitement and joy, but also with lots of crying, uncertainty, and heel digging -- from both kids and parents! "For children, the main source of anxiety around entering preschool is that they have absolutely no idea what to expect, They have spent the first three to four years learning the rules and routines of their family life and they are completely unfamiliar with the new rules and routines they will encounter. For parents, the main source of separation anxiety is worrying that their child will feel abandoned."

Many moms may see their child have a bad first reaction to preschool and immediately decide to pull him out of the classroom. But that's a bad idea: "It denies the child an opportunity to learn how to work through negative feelings and sets a precedent of not having to face problems," Instead, consistency is key when it comes to making preschool a part of your child's new routine. Simply going together on a regular basis will provide your little one with a strong sense of anticipation. Keep your goodbyes short and sweet so that your child knows what to expect but doesn't prolong your departure. When you pick him up at the end of the day, reinforce the idea that you came back, just like you said you would. This way, each day's drop-off won't feel like you're both starting teary and upsetting goodbyes all over again. 

Some useful things you can do:

• Put your preschooler to bed earlier and wake him/her up earlier so there’s time for a leisurely yet energy-boosting breakfast (hungry, tired kids are often clingy, cranky kids) to help her shake off the sleepies and get her preschool mojo on. 

• On the way to preschool, talk about what she like do and who she’ll see. 

• If the preschool allows it, let her bring a comfort object (like a favourite stuffed animal or blanket). Even if there’s a ban on toys from home, give her something of yours — like a photo or scarf — that she can keep in her cubby, or draw star or smilie on her hand at the preschool good-bye. 

• Settle her in an activity before you head out the door — or ask her to show you her most recent collage masterpiece or toy she plays with. But don’t give your little one the impression that you’ll stay as long as she needs you. And if you’re having trouble with your exit strategy, ask the teacher if she can step in after giving your little one a breezy bye-bye. 

• If your child still has a hard time separating from you, try this: Say your good-byes at home and ask your partner (if your preschooler’s not as attached to him/her!) or a classmate’s parent to drop her off instead. 

Avoid comparing your child to others. Honouring your child's process is the best way to make the transition to preschool as smooth as possible. The child who never cries when his parent leaves him may act out the scene over and over again during play to process his feelings. Another child may need to cry at every separation for a while in order to work through his feelings. It's okay to keep leaving the child if he keeps crying. A complete and successful transition into school can take months, especially if there are family vacations or breaks from school, when children often regress, or if there are changes happening at home. Remind him that you will always return to pick him and that there are people at school to keep him safe.

Always remember that starting preschool is a positive step for both you and your little pupil.