The first day at preschool can be nerve-racking.It's frightening to be left in a new building with strange rooms and faces.Separation anxiety is a common issue for many children starting school, but with love and comfort, you can help them handle the transition and learn to love preschool.
Step 1: Let your child know what preschool is like.
A preschool is a completely new experience for a child.They may not be aware school exists, but a conversation about it gives them the chance to answer any questions they may have and discuss their fears.The conversation should start a few weeks before school starts.They may be even more anxious if they wait to the last minute.If your child knows what to expect in preschool, they are less likely to have separation anxiety.Tell your child what they can do at preschool.Jordan, preschool is a great place to learn new things, make friends, and have fun.You can explore outside or play with toys.They have a lot of toys that you don't have at home.
Step 2: You can tour the school with your child.
A few weeks before school starts, many schools offer tours for students and parents.There is a chance for new preschoolers to see what the school is like.They are less likely to be blind-sided by the new setting after exploring.If the school allows it, allow your child to explore as much as they want so they can see all the rooms they'll spend time in.Even if they're not near the main classroom, they might benefit from seeing the bathroom and nap areas.Children are allowed to play with toys in the classroom to make them feel comfortable.If they're available, have you and your child get to know the teacher better.
Step 3: Pretend play and games can be used to prepare preschoolers.
You should create a routine for the first day of school.For the first day of school, you can have your child put on their shoes and get dressed.By pretending and acting out the routine, preschoolers can become more aware of what's happening and won't feel like they're doing too many tasks at once.The schedule for preschoolers should be simple.Children are able to anticipate what's happening each day so routines can prevent anxiety separation.Consider playing other games as well.Hide-and-seek is a great game to play with your child that separates you from them for a short period of time.
Step 4: You can read books to your child.
There are many books for children that address separation anxiety.It's a good idea to read to your child about the new school year.Children's stories talk about separation anxiety from their point of view.There are many popular stories about being separated from your parents.
Step 5: Talk to your preschool about any worries they may have.
Your child is likely to be very nervous and anxious at preschool.You may be flooded with many questions once you discuss what preschool is like.Address these worries honestly and patiently.You may feel guilty if they ask if you're going to school with me.Tell them the truth.Lying to your child and making up things that aren't true can make their anxiety worse and diminish their trust in you.Even if they say they have no worries, pay attention to their actions.When you mention preschool, your child may be a little nervous.In certain activity areas, regression may occur, such as using the bathroom, eating, sleeping, and other tasks.anxious preschoolers have behavioral issues as well.Keep your expectations consistent, but be kind about the setbacks, they will pass once your preschoolers get used to their new routine.
Step 6: Prepare your child for school the night before.
Pack a snack or lunch with your child when they help you pick out their clothes for school.Practice your routine with them.When they wake up in the morning, they should be aware of what to do.Provide answers to any questions or concerns they may have.Before the first day of school, make sure your child has a good night's sleep.On the first day, they need to be well-rested and alert, and the last thing you want is a crying child begging for sleep in the morning.
Step 7: Prepare for the first day of preschool.
It's a good idea to wake up early so you don't have to rush in the morning.If possible, have them help you make breakfast and eat with you so you can answer any last-minute questions they might have.Help them prepare for the big day.On the first day of school, don't add any new activities or events.The new school transition is likely to make your child more anxious.
Step 8: Stay with your child while they are in the classroom.
To keep their mind off of you, try to get them involved in an activity.You might want to introduce them to a few of their classmates.They don't feel like they are alone with strangers.Everyone has different expectations of how long you should stay with your child.Some people say you should stay for 10 minutes, and others only stay an hour.You might stay the whole day if a child's anxiety is really bad.It depends on the child, the policies of the school and how long you can stay.
Step 9: Provide your child with motivation and comfort.
You can remind your child that they have mastered some of the tasks in the past.Do you remember the first day of summer camp?You loved it a lot after a while.Provide as much support as you can for your child.Your child's feelings should not be brushed off.It will be difficult to go to school every morning because of separation anxiety.Being in a new place with completely new people is frightening for preschoolers, so be patient and supportive as you help your child.
Step 10: Prepare a goodbye routine with your child.
A leaving routine can make you feel better about leaving the school.The leaving routine needs to be in place before the first day of school.A big hug or kiss, a special handshake or goodbye wave, an item that can be given as comfort, are some ideas you can add to the routine.It could be a high five.It shouldn't be too long.Remember that you'll be back later to pick them up, and keep goodbyes short and simple.
Step 11: Do not make promises you won't keep.
The separation anxiety of many parents is caused by them telling their children white lies.If you tell your child you'll stay with them in class for the entire day, even if you know it's not true, you might be able to avoid an emotional outburst from them.If you lie and make false promises to your preschoolers, they will lose trust in you, which will make them even more upset at school.
Step 12: You should be calm and positive.
Parents who show they are scared or nervous for their child cause the child to feel the same way, according to preschool teachers.It's normal to be worried and anxious for your child, but staying calm is one of the best ways to prevent emotional outbursts.When school is over, remind your child that you will pick them up.If the school gives one, you can remind your child to look at the class schedule or clock so they know when school is over."Pauline, you better be nice to the teacher and all the students, I expect you to act nicely with everyone in the class and not pick fights."Tell them what they will do.If you mention that the class will have craft time during the day, your child will love it.
Step 13: Understand that your child's tears and frustration are normal.
Your loved one will be upset if you leave the classroom.You're likely to hear a lot of screaming.This won't last forever.If your child is upset, don't go back into the classroom.When you two are separated, they assume you will always be there for them.The preschool teachers are here to support and calm your child.Most teachers have seen separation from children and will try to comfort the child.
Step 14: You should know that regression is normal.
If your child has mastered potty training, they may have accidents a few weeks before school starts.When it comes to sleeping, eating, using the bathroom, and any other normal activities, preschoolers feel many different emotions about their first year of school.When your child starts preschool, they may have more behavioral issues if they are normally well-behaved.Once your child adjusts to the school and class routine, they will get back on track.It can take a few weeks to a month for regression to stop.All preschoolers are not the same.If you feel like their regression has been going on for a long time, talk to their doctor or preschool teacher.Some preschoolers do not regress.The new routine of school may work well for some.Some people may be fine the first few weeks of school, but start to decline later.
Step 15: Understand the different types of anxiety.
Children are separated from their parents.Some may choose to stay away from everyone.Others may act out.Regardless of how the child acts, separation anxiety should be handled seriously because it can prevent children from learning, growing, and enjoying themselves at school.Some children have an anxiety separation disorder.Normal anxiety separation is not a stage of childhood development.Separation anxiety disorder can last months and is more serious if it lasts for more than a few weeks.This type of anxiety can be alleviated with medication and therapy.
Step 16: Parents can attend an orientation before school starts.
Parents can help reduce separation anxiety according to many preschool teachers.There are ways parents can help their children cope with preschool transition anxiety.You will want to address the way parents are feeling as well.A child starting their first school year is nerve-wracking for many parents.It is perfectly normal to have these emotions as a parent.Talk to your child's parents about the first day of school.Parents should not leave the room when their children are not paying attention.When a child discovers their parent is missing, it could lead to an angry reaction.Before preschool starts, connect with parents.If possible, have separate parent teacher conferences with each family.It's a good time to address any concerns they have about their child starting school, how bad they think the separation will be, and any additional anxiety problems the child or parent may have.The preschool packets should be handed out at the end of the orientation.The packet should have information about the class schedule, school policies, and how to handle the first day of school for both parents and children.It's a lot easier to have a packet of information than it is to cram everything from the orientation.
Step 17: There are lots of classroom tour opportunities for preschoolers and parents.
If preschoolers are familiar with the setting, they are less anxious about going to school.Parents and preschoolers can get to know the environment on short tours before school starts.Children should be allowed to explore as much as they want.They should be able to explore the bathroom and lunch areas if they need to, as well as play with the toys in the classroom.
Step 18: The classroom should be calm, caring, and fun.
Children can learn, play, and enjoy themselves at preschool.Different areas are used for certain activities in the classroom.One area for reading and another for playing with toys can be found in a classroom.The classroom needs to be engaging.Colorful posters, toys, sensory boxes, board games, and books make the classroom more appealing and exciting for children.A set of simple rules for preschoolers can keep the class running smoothly.Don't change a routine.Preschoolers are less likely to have separation anxiety if they know how the class works and when they can see their parents again.
Step 19: There is a visual schedule for preschoolers.
A visual schedule is a set of pictures that show what is happening during the day.On the first day of school, they can help new classmates.For preschoolers, visual schedules should be posted in an area that is easy to see, and should state each activity done during the school day.Your visual schedule may include time for welcoming the students, doing a craft, having circle time, reading, and then going home.
Step 20: It's a good idea to let preschoolers bring something from home.
If a child misses their family at home, they can bring a picture or hand-written note from their parents.They can bring a comfort object, or something that reminds them of their missed loved one, if they talk to the parents before the event.Ask preschoolers what they brought from home.It's okay to miss someone while you're away from them if you talk about their loved one.They should be encouraged to find their object or picture.You can encourage preschoolers to stick a picture of their loved one next to their coat hanger or cubby so they can find it easily while keeping it safe.
Step 21: Allow the child to express their feelings.
It is likely that dismissing a child's feelings will make things worse.Allow your child to share what their emotions are at the moment and accept the way they feel.Talk about what you notice from them.You can say "You look very sad right now" instead of "I know you hate preschool."Do you miss your dad?Comments that dismiss a child's emotions should be avoided."You are a big kid now; you're not a baby!" is a bad expression.You're now a preschooler.These type of comments hurt more than they help.You should be open and friendly.How do you feel?Today is your first day of preschool, are you scared?It can be turned into a conversation about how you felt on your first day of teaching.If today is your first day teaching, you can explain how nervous you are.It is possible to comfort preschoolers by showing them that they are not alone.
Step 22: Know how to deal with anger.
Separation anxiety can lead to emotional swings.Handling these outbursts can be difficult as you try to comfort the child.If you can distract the child and present the activities you have planned for the day, you will be in a better position to deal with the outbursts.If the child does not want to participate, leave them with a quiet activity to do on their own.You shouldn't make preschoolers interact with others and participate in activities.When preschoolers are ready to join the class, they just need to be left alone.The child should be told that their parents will come back later.You can show them a schedule of when their parents will come."After we eat a snack and play outside, your mom will come here to pick you up!"Stay positive.They can act aggressively if they are stressed out around a child with separation anxiety.Be patient with them and be cheerful.Being in a completely new place with no parents can be frightening, and you want to be as calm and supportive as possible.The child should not be bribed with candy or prizes to stop crying.When children are separated from their parents, they may start to expect a reward every time they don't have an argument.
Step 23: Know how to deal with other children's complaints.
A child with separation anxiety is likely to cry, scream, and yell at the top of their lungs.This can cause problems in the classroom.You can tell the children that they need some time to adjust to preschool if they complain or mention the child.You can say "Hailey is crying because she misses her daddy" if you want to.She doesn't have a lot of time to learn how preschool works.Should we help her and ask if she wants to play?
Step 24: Be prepared to deal with loud noises.
When parents leave, preschoolers can act out violently and aggressively if they aren't prepared.They can run around the classroom, hurt others, or hurt themselves.It can be upsetting for other people in the room.A calm-down area with toys and relaxing activities can help preschoolers calm down.Discipline should not be used in calm-down areas.They should only be used to keep the people in the classroom safe.
Step 25: If you have separation anxiety, don't send preschoolers home.
Some teachers make the mistake of sending a child home because of their distress.This only harms the child.The next time they go to school, it will be worse because they won't get their way again.The preschooler should be allowed to express their emotions.Positive and reassuring, but be firm as well.If a child has anxiety separation disorder or is having a hard day, the day can be shortened and the child can go home earlier.The goal is to have the child stay in class a little longer until they stay the whole day.