Preparing for the first day of preschool

The first day of preschool is an exciting experience in your child’s life; however, this may be the first time some children experience separation from their parents. Here are a few suggestions to assist you:

1. Tell your child in advance what to expect.
2. Keep a positive attitude. Your enthusiasm will assure your child that school is a fun place
3. Have your child bring something special like a picture or toy to keep in their backpack.
4. Clearly tell your child where you will be and when you will return.
5. Maintain a clear good-bye routine. It may be best to keep it short and positive. Once you tell your child that you are leaving, it is important to follow through. Extending the good-bye sometimes increases anxiety rather than relieves it. Don’t sneak out… say good-bye and leave.

TIP: Check out the local Library and read fun books about children going to school for the first time. One such book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn – a story about a mother raccoon who kisses the palm of her youngster’s hand when he goes to school. Whenever he feels lonely and misses her, he holds the kissed palm to his cheek and can feel the warm kiss and his mother’s love.