Helping Your Preschooler Adjust to School

For many children, preschool is the very first experience of separation from parents for an extended period of time. The new environment, new schedule, and time away from family can cause a great deal of anxiety for young children. Separation anxiety and even tears & tummy aches are not unusual at the start of the school year. Luckily, we’ve compiled a few convenient tips that can help your child adjust to school as easily as possible.

1. Dealing with common fears:

A lot of school anxiety actually stems from fears that parents find silly. Children may worry that you will disappear or die while they are at school. In order to calm fears, reassure your preschooler that it’s normal for people who care about each other to not like being physically apart. Make sure to remind them that they will have fun learning and playing with other children and that you will be absolutely fine while they are enjoying their time at school. After a while, your preschooler will realize that you WILL come back for them after every day at school and that they CAN have fun, even when you are not there.

2. Make sure they bond with their teacher:

When your child feels comfortable with their teacher, they are much more likely to enjoy their time at school. Preschoolers need to transfer their attachment-focus to their teacher in order to be ready to learn. During the first few days, if you notice that your child hasn’t bonded with their teacher in a positive way, contact them via phone, email, or even after class. Explain that your child hasn’t really settled in yet and see if the teacher will reach out to your preschooler to help him feel more “at home”. This could include a special job or role, or even a little extra attention during free play time.

3. Facilitate bonding with classmates:

School buddies can help alleviate separation anxiety, so make sure to facilitate bonding with other children in the class. Find out who your child enjoys to play with during his preschool day. Speak with parents of other classmates your child likes and invite them on a play date or to dinner. When your child looks forward to preschool so that they can play with friends, less time will be spent on worrying about being separated from you.

4. Have a parting ritual:

The biggest challenge for many preschool-aged children is saying goodbye to mom or dad at drop off. Having a parting ritual can help. Whether it’s a big hug and a mantra or a special handshake or saying, your child will be able to develop a routine that they can count on every single school day. Routines create a feeling of comfort and can be one more step to helping your child adjust to his preschool schedule. Many children even enjoy a token to remember you by during the day. Whether it’s a heart shaped stone or a laminated family photo for their desk, these little mementos can help calm anxiety after you leave.

5. Get them to giggle:

Laughing is a great way for your children to vent anxiety. If your child is having a tough time adjusting to preschool, they are more than likely feeling anxious and fearful. Before you leave for school in the morning, give your child plenty of opportunities to laugh and giggle. Whether you create a silly story while you are getting them dressed or chase them around the kitchen table after breakfast, having a giggle break can help separation from you at school go much more smoothly.

6. Be connected when they are home:

Being connected with your child when they are home will help build a sense of security. A short cuddle each morning and special mommy-child time right after you are reunited with them is the perfect way to stay connected and make them feel loved and supported.

7. Be on time at pickup:

One of your child’s major fears is that you will not return after you drop them off at preschool. If you are late picking them up, especially during the first few days, you may exacerbate these anxieties if they do not see you immediately as other children are leaving.

8. Have a calm routine for bedtimes & mornings:

Rushing around in the morning trying to get everyone out of the door on time can create unnecessary stress. Make sure that both you and your preschooler are up on time and ready for the day without waiting until last minute to do everything. If you have to wake your child up in the morning, they are not getting enough sleep. Tired children are less likely to cope well with goodbyes and the schedule of a school day. A proper bed time and a relaxing bedtime routine can ensure that everyone is well rested in the morning.

If your child is having trouble adjusting to preschool, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions to teachers or caregivers. Here at Kids ‘R’ Kids Avalon Park, we love providing a warm & inviting environment for our preschool students. Feel free to contact us for more information on preschool programs and more!