Starting preschool can be an emotional and exciting time for both you and your child. They are probably super eager about being a big kid and starting school, and as delighted as you might be about them having this experiencing, it can still be sad to begin letting them go. To help with both of your nerves, Pumpkin Preschool, a preschool center in Fairfield, CT, suggests working with your child ahead of time so they know what to expect. This will make everyone’s adjustment go a little smoother when the time comes.

All pre-K programs have their own unique way of helping children make the adjustment to school, but here are a few things this preschool center suggests parents can do ahead of time on their own:

• Help Them Make Friends Before School Starts: You probably know firsthand how uncomfortable it can be to walk into a room full of strangers. This is exactly how your child will most likely feel on their first day of preschool, but you can help with this. Ask your child's teacher if you can have a list of the children who will be in your kid's class. This way you can set up play dates with one or more of them before the first day of school, and give them a friendly face on their first day.

• Work On Their Sharing Skills: It is not uncommon for young children to just grab something without asking, even if it is in the hands of someone else. When working on their school readiness, whenever your child does this, don't just tell them no. Instead, work on getting them to ask for the item using the words “please” and “thank you.” It's also a good idea not to immediately hand it over every time so they can begin to understand the concept of waiting their turn.

• Visit The Preschool: Most preschools will have a day where new students and their parents can visit and explore the school. This will give you a great opportunity to introduce your child to their teacher, have them interact in the environment, and even make some early friends. If it is allowed, you should also bring your child to the school playground a few times before school starts so they start to become comfortable with the location and surroundings.

If you are currently searching for preschool centers for your child, contact Pumpkin Preschool today at (203) 255-7505. Their pre-K program is for children four years of age and starts to prepare them for a more structured learning environment. Learn more about this program by visiting online. You can also gain more school readiness tips by following this preschool on Facebook.