For most families, pre-K is a big step. It may be the first time your little one has been away from you, and it can take some getting used to for everyone involved. Thankfully, there are some ways you can help your child transition well to their new school. Below, Cherokee Academy at Clayton in Canton, GA, shares three tips you can follow at home to prepare your kid for the big day.

Get Your Child Ready for Pre-K With These 3 Steps

1. Play Pretend Preschool

Toddlers love to play make-believe. You can use this desire to create imaginary worlds to your advantage by playing preschool before class starts. Learn about the schedule at their pre-K, and then act it out together. This will prove useful when you drop your little one off, as they’ll know what to expect.

2. Talk About Your Child’s Concerns

If your child is worried about going to their first day of preschool, take active steps to mitigate their fears. Ask if they have any concerns, and truthfully explain how the reality might be different than their expectations. For example, a child may be worried about being away from you. Let them know they will be with a friendly, fun teacher and lots of new pals. Before they know it, you’ll be back to pick them up!

3. Support Their Independence

Encourage your child to practice routines on their own, like brushing their teeth. Set up a timer, a stool for the sink, and all the tools they need to tackle the task without your help. You can even invite your child to choose which responsibilities they want to take on alone by asking them which “big kid” activities they want to do. This will help them build confidence in their abilities and become more self-sufficient, which will make them more comfortable once they begin pre-K. Even if they encounter a few stumbling blocks along the way, offer lots of encouragement and try to avoid doing the task for them.

To talk about other tips to make this transition easier for your family, call Cherokee Academy at Clayton at (770) 479-4404. The child care center follows a creative curriculum to help students move from pre-K to kindergarten when they’re ready. Visit the website for more information on the friendly, experienced teachers and support staff.