Starting preschool is always an exciting and emotional time for both you and your child. Beginning preschool is a big milestone in your child’s life, and it is also often a big transition for them. While most children will struggle to some degree with adjusting to starting preschool, it is possible to help ease this transition and soothe these big feelings. In this blog, we’ll discuss some things you can do to help your soon-to-be preschooler with this transition. 

Visit the school together

If your child is starting preschool at a new school, doing a walk-through of the school with them is a great way to ease some of the transition stress. They’ll be able to see exactly where they’re going, and being familiar with the environment can help reduce the stress and overstimulation of the first day!

Play school together at home

A great low-pressure way to help your child get prepared for preschool is to play school at home! This is a way to show your child some of what their new routine will look like in a way they can conceptualize. Switch it up and have your child be a student and the teacher. This pretend play is a great way to introduce your child to preschool and will help lessen the stress of the first day. 

Have a goodbye plan

Coming up with a goodbye plan is a great way to make that transition during the first few days easier. Go over saying goodbye with your child beforehand and reassure them that you will see them soon at the end of the school day. Incorporate something fun and meaningful for your child into your goodbye, like a secret handshake. This can help make saying goodbye fun instead of sad or overwhelming. 

Read books about preschool

Reading books about preschool can show your child a glimpse of what the experience will be like and give your child the opportunity to learn about the experience and ask questions that may come up as they read, and get to know what preschool is going to be like. 

Listen to your child’s concerns

The easiest way to know what your child’s fears are about preschool is to hear about them in their own words. Once you hear from them what they’re worried about, you can start having conversations that address their concerns. Some of the other strategies mentioned may be helpful when your child expresses their concerns. 

Start your routine early

Creating a new routine and starting it early is SO important! Waiting until the morning of their first day of preschool to have them dress themselves, get up earlier, not have tablet time, leave the house before playing, etc. will only result in more feelings of distress on the first day. Ease your child into their new routine and find ways to incorporate moments that will help them feel calmer and comfortable.