| irst day of preschool or kindergarten can be quite | | | | could be as simple as having them spend a half a day |
| stressful for a child. If they haven't been in any kind of | | | | at their grandparents or other relative's house. Leaving |
| daycare program previously, even the matter of being | | | | them with a babysitter for the day or in the evening |
| separated from their parents can cause a lot of | | | | while you go out for several hours can also be good |
| anxiety. Setting out on their own to preschool or | | | | practice. This will allow you to see how much |
| kindergarten represents a rather large step in a child's | | | | separation anxiety your child tends to exhibit. If they |
| development, so it can be a good idea to help them | | | | have problems with being separated, start with just |
| prepare for it. With just a little bit of effort, you can do | | | | small amounts of time, working your way up to an |
| a lot to make this transition easier for your child. | | | | entire morning or afternoon. Arranging play dates for |
| Keep Them Informed | | | | your child at a friend's house can also be good |
| Several weeks before the first day of school, begin | | | | practice. This is even more beneficial if you can |
| discussing preschool or kindergarten with them. If they | | | | arrange a play date with one or more of your child's |
| have participated in daycare previously, you can | | | | future classmates. |
| remind them of the fun times they've had in the past | | | | Activities to Practice in Advance |
| with the friends that they've met. Be sure that you | | | | Practicing some of the skills that your child will be |
| seem enthusiastic about the concept of going to | | | | expected to use while at school can also be a good |
| school. You can tell them about all the exciting things | | | | idea. Help your child master writing his or her first and |
| they will learn, and about the new friends they will | | | | last name, and be sure they can at least recite their |
| meet. Ask them about their feelings on the matter, and | | | | phone number and address. If you have a list of |
| see if they have any questions or concerns. If they do | | | | "readiness items" from the school, go over them with |
| have questions, take the time to answer them to their | | | | your child. Skills that are commonly expected are the |
| satisfaction. If your child doesn't seem to want to talk | | | | ability to count up to at least ten, as well as the ability |
| about school, it is best not to force the issue. But, keep | | | | to recognize and recite the alphabet. Of course, your |
| the lines of communication open about the subject. | | | | child may already have begun learning how to read by |
| The most important thing is to impress upon your child | | | | the time they start preschool or kindergarten. The |
| that the first day of school is something to look | | | | ability to recognize primary colors and basic shapes |
| forward to and not dread. | | | | are also good skills to work on. You could also practice |
| Schedule Some Time Away From Your Child | | | | coloring in a book, or cutting things out with scissors. |
| It can be helpful to plan some activities that will require | | | | Practicing these skills will be fun for your child, and can |
| you to be away from your child, especially if they have | | | | go a long way towards making them feel prepared for |
| not spent much time away from you in the past. This | | | | school. |