What You Need To Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool
Oh, how fast time flies by! You’ve got a little one who’s getting ready for preschool; let me tell y’all, it’s an adventure. I remember one of my neighbors came over with their youngest recently; we talked over sweet tea on the porch about what you need to prepare your toddler for preschool. I remember my kids’ first day of school; it was bittersweet—it was nerve-racking for both of us, but we made it through. Here is what I told my friend to do—and what you can apply to your child’s special day.
A Spoonful of Confidence
Before I sent my children to preschool, I helped instill confidence in them. I often praised their efforts and accomplishments as they grew from little munchkins to big kids. By doing this, I taught them to be confident in themselves when asking for help or working independently. Early intervention in confidence building helped me teach my youngin that it’s fine to make mistakes; it’s how we learn, after all!
Encouraging Social Skills
Now, preschool isn’t just for learning your ABCs; it’s also about making new friends and playing nice with others. I helped my children build appropriate social skills they can use to communicate from the moment they could talk, and I did this by teaching ‘em how to share, take turns, and express their feelings calmly. Teaching your kids social skills, and encouraging them, helps them build a better understanding of how to express themselves. If y’all want a head start, try out a playdate or two—it works wonders!
Do It Themselves
My kids have grown into beautiful, independent individuals. But, like many, it took time for their independence to develop. Y’all might have noticed your kiddos not doing something right or getting grumpy because parents or older siblings take over. My suggestion is to encourage them to keep doing something independently over and over again until they master it. Preschool is the perfect time to showcase these skills, such as using the potty, sharing toys, and cleaning up after themselves. Keep encouraging independence in your growing toddler by letting them do tasks by themselves; after all, practice does make perfect, y’all!
Taming the Separation Anxiety Beast
The most heart-wrenching part of starting school for the first time is the initial separation from Mom and Dad—oh, this part is hard y’all! The best thing I did for my kids was talk about the fun things they’ll do—make friends, learn new things, and be in a big kid’s school. Start by talking about preschool and the fun they’ll have there, then try some short periods of separation before the big day. That way, you and your little one are ready for this new routine.
There you have it, folks! A little confidence boost, social skills development, and a dash of independence will prepare your toddler to take on preschool. And remember, it takes time; the more you work with your child, the easier it’ll be. Y’all, the most important thing is to encourage independence in your toddler as you prepare them for preschool.
My kid has 1 year old and I’m suffering a lot just to thinking about send him for school. Thank you for these advices.