As your child embarks on a nearly two-decade educational journey, how can you make the first day of preschool a one they will remember as fun and exciting?
The first day of preschool is not the time to rush your child through breakfast or try to coax them into their seat. It’s not just about getting your kid to school on time, it’s also about setting the tone for a successful school year.
So start the morning by waking up early and having breakfast ready when your kids wake up. Not only will it give you extra time with them before they head out, but it will also give the added feeling of routine and comfort.
You can support your child in feeling relaxed, confident, and prepared to learn by doing a little planning. The following advice will help you have a successful first day of kindergarten gardening:
- Make sure your child is well rested and fed: He or she must eat a good breakfast before school, so be sure to include something nutritious like eggs or fruit in their morning meal.
- Prepare them for what’s ahead by discussing the school day ahead of time: You might even want to look at the school’s website together so they can see what activities are planned for the day. If possible, visit the school before you drop off your child so they know what it looks like and where they’ll spend their time while you’re gone.
- The teacher will be there to address any questions: If you may have any questions regarding the classroom rules or expectations for behavior on campus, get there early to talk with them before class starts.
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little bit of everything when your child starts schooling, but it’s important to manage these feelings prior so you can present a calm, yet strong, front on their first day. One best action in this case to do this is by including them in the process.
Listed below are a few ways you can get your kid involved:
- Have them pick out their backpack or lunchbox: This will be a good time to introduce them to new lunchbox options.
- Help them pack their lunch: especially if they’re still learning to tie their shoes or button up their coats. You can make this a funny process by putting name labels on things, so they know who packed what!
- Have them write notes on cards or draw pictures for each other! You could even have them make these ahead of time so everyone has something special for the day.
But what if your child resists going at the last moment? What if your child cries for hours when it’s time for you to leave? What if they refuse to eat their lunch? What if your child insists on playing with the other kids instead of listening to the teachers?
These are all valid concerns, but they’re also things that can be addressed before the first day of preschool even comes. You must have a proper conversation with your child about what she expects from this experience and then let her know what you expect.
Be sure that your expectations are reasonable: no matter how hard it is, don’t force your child into going somewhere she doesn’t want to be.
You’ll also want to ensure that everyone else in your household is prepared for this change. That means having extra snacks and clothes available for emergencies, and preparing meals ahead of time, so no one feels rushed or overwhelmed by cooking.