Share:

The first day of preschool is both exciting and stressful for kids and parents. While separation anxiety is normal, taking steps to reduce your child’s anxiety—and your own—will ensure a smoother transition. Seagull Schools, a preschool in Honolulu, HI, recommends the following tips to parents to make those first days easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety About Preschool

1. Address Your Own Anxiety

It’s normal for parents to feel anxious or worried about leaving their child with strangers, regardless of their qualifications. Unfortunately, kids pick up on those emotions and may feel anxious when they otherwise would not. To ease your fears, talk with other parents who have been through this already and learn as much as you can about the preschool and its instructors beforehand.

2. Do a Practice Run

Knowing what to expect in advance can greatly reduce anxiety and the fear of the unknown in children. Most preschools have days where new students and their parents can visit. During this time, you can show them exactly where you’ll drop them off and pick them up. Plus, they get a chance to meet their teachers and classmates. The familiarity after a few visits will make the first day easier.

3. Make Goodbyes a Special Ritual

preschoolBefore the first day, create a special goodbye ritual. You can make a secret handshake or have a cute phrase you both say to each other. Or, you can simply give your child a hug, kiss, or a high five. Either way, a routine will make your child more comfortable with your departure.

4. Maintain Your Routines

Maintaining routines during this transitional period is essential. Bedtime routines are especially important to ensure your child is well-rested prior to the big day. Keep your morning as stress-free as possible by having lunches packed and clothes set out the night before. Set your own alarm 20 to 30 minutes early so you’ve got some extra time. The less rushed you are, the less anxiety your child will feel.

5. Pack a Reminder of Home

If your child has never been away from home, or if they’ve always had a blanket or teddy bear with them, going to preschool without those items is difficult. You can pack their teddy bear or blanket, or send them with a photo or another reminder of home. Notes in their lunchbox can also help kids get through the day.

If you and your child are ready for preschool, call Seagull Schools at (808) 533-0004 to ask about enrollment. Their early education center will provide your child with the care they need in an environment that encourages growth, development, and exploration. Learn more about their preschool curriculum online.

tracking