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Preschoolers need confidence. It will take them to a new school, to meet new friends, and to find new adventures. Teaching your child to enter a new situation with confidence can be as easy as playing pretend.
Preschoolers love to play pretend. Their imaginations are rich and overflowing. When they are about to enter a new situation, play pretend with them. Create a scenario and let them act out what they would do in that situation.
Use stuffed animals to create a “real case scenario” of a likely situation where your child might feel nervous. Then have them help you come up with the solution. “Bear is waiting for Mama Bear to pick him up. Bear has his backpack. But Mama Bear is not there. What should Bear do?” or “Bear sat down for snack time and Lion took his juice box. No one saw Lion take the juice box. What should Bear do?”
Replay the situation and let them take different roles as the teacher, the parent, and then as themselves. Try to make the situation as realistic as you can by using words that the new situation might use. If you use a nickname with your child, use their given name for the pretending. Use terms like “circle time” or “table time” to familiarize your child with the new environment.
As you give this activity your time and focus, it will show your child that this new situation is important to you. When your child is ready to engage the new opportunity, they will know what it was like to walk in the shoes of each participant and can carry that knowledge and confidence with them.
After playing pretend, talk to your child. Ask if they are still scared of their new situation and remind them what they can do when scared. Limit the list to no more than three items. Preschoolers are able to follow a three-step process, but not more.
Reinforcing confidence by offering love and support to your child is invaluable. Encourage your child’s confidence now and watch where it takes them!
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Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Charlotte located in Charlotte, North Carolina? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.