Starting preschool can be an exciting time for you and your child, but there can also be feelings of nervousness from not knowing what to expect. Drop off can be overwhelming for you both if your little one doesn’t learn how to adjust to their new environment. When helping your child get used to preschool, consider trying these four tips.

Top Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to Preschool

1. Prepare Yourself

Children are observant to verbal and nonverbal cues. If you’re feeling anxious about dropping them off, they’ll pick up on these emotions. To prepare for your little one’s first day, remind yourself that they’ll grow and benefit from this experience as they begin their academic journey.

2. Establish a Routine

Whether your child is going to preschool twice a week or Monday through Friday, establish and follow a routine for them to get used to. Young children thrive on consistency, and if you want them to be successful at school, adopt a similar schedule and routine at your home, as well. Consider serving a snack or lunch at the same time of day and scheduling different periods of playtime.

3. Give a Proper Goodbye

You may feel the urge to sneak out while your child is distracted, but this type of goodbye can cause feelings of abandonment and may worsen separation anxiety. Provide your child with a loving farewell and gently remind them you’ll see them soon. After your goodbye, make sure to leave promptly so that your child can adjust to being without you.

4. Involve the Teacher

Communicating with your child’s teacher is an excellent way to find out what feelings your child is experiencing when you leave. Your child may show their anxiety in different ways, including sadness and frustration. Work with their teacher to develop a plan that encourages your child to enjoy preschool, whether it entails you bringing in a special comfort object from home or creating a reward system for good behavior.

If your child is ready to begin preschool and you’re looking for a stimulating environment for them to excel in, talk with the professionals at Sounds of Success Preschool and Learning Center in Aiea, HI. In addition to providing daycare and preschool instruction, this learning facility also offers speech therapy programs to ensure every child receives the education they deserve. Learn more about their curriculum online, or call (808) 488-2211 to speak with a staff member about enrollment. Read parent reviews on Yelp, or follow them on Facebook for the latest news and updates.