Quick note before we begin: In July 2023, we published our first blog article, which focused on how to support little ones through their transition to school life. If you haven’t read it yet, we invite you to do so here: Bienvenidos al Blog de ABCnMe. Today, we would like to complement that conversation with new practical tips, reflections, and tools to help you support your child during the first few weeks of this new stage.
First steps in preschool: Why are the first weeks in Preschool a challenge?
Starting preschool is a significant change in a child's life. They face a new environment, with people outside their close family circle and routines different from those at home. This process can trigger emotions like anxiety, sadness, or resistance.
It’s important to remember that these feelings do not mean your child won’t like preschool. They are natural reactions that usually disappear within a few weeks. Children are resilient, and with the right support, they will soon begin to enjoy their new routine.
Tips to help your child transition to preschool.
The transition to preschool is a big step, and it can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips to make this change more positive for everyone:
Build positive expectations: Talk about preschool with enthusiasm, highlighting how fun it will be. You might say, “You’ll meet new friends and play with lots of toys.” These expectations will help your child feel calmer and more excited.
Practice routines: Children feel more secure when they know what to expect. Practice the morning routine before preschool starts waking up, dressing, having breakfast, and leaving. This will reduce anxiety for both children and parents.
Short and loving goodbyes: Goodbyes can be tough, especially for younger ones. Keep them brief but full of love. A hug, a kiss, and a “see you soon” will give them reassurance without prolonging the moment. If your child isn’t talking yet, observe their emotions through their behavior and offer comfort.
Familiarize yourself with the environment: Take your child to visit the preschool before the first day. Let them explore the space, meet the teachers, and get familiar with the place. This will make the first day less scary.
Play school at home: Role play is a great way to prepare your child for school. You can play “school” at home, where you are the teacher and they are the student, or vice versa. This allows them to get used to school routines while feeling safe at home.
Encourage independence: Even if some children don’t speak at 16 or 18 months, all can learn skills that build confidence, such as opening their lunchbox, putting on shoes, or tidying up toys. Teach them with patience, without expecting perfection, to foster their independence.
Talk about emotions: While young children may not always express themselves with words, their emotions show in their behavior. If your child is nervous or sad, calmly talking to them and reassuring them that everything will be fine will help them process those feelings. Children who already talk can express their emotions and validating them will make them feel secure.
Use visual tools: If your child is between 2 and 3 years old, a calendar or visual routine with pictures of daily activities can be helpful. This will allow them to anticipate what will happen and give them a sense of control and security.
Manage parental expectations: The first few weeks can be tough. It’s normal for children, especially those who have never attended preschool, to feel more anxious or cry at first. This doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy preschool once they adapt. Patience and love are essential during this process.
With these tips your family will face the transition with more confidence. Remember that every child adapts at their own pace, and with the right support, preschool will be a positive and enriching experience.
What to expect in the first weeks.
The first weeks can be uneven. Your child may feel more tired, need more affection, or even show setbacks in previous behaviors. This is completely normal and usually temporary.
Consider these additional strategies:
Be patient: Keep a calm and understanding attitude. Your serenity will be an anchor for your little one.
Keep the routine: Try to keep consistency in daily schedules and activities, even if the first few weeks are chaotic.
Maintain communication with preschool: Stay in contact with the teachers to understand how your child is doing in the classroom and coordinate support strategies.
The role of the preschool during adaptation.
At ABCnMe, we understand that each child is unique and has their own adaptation pace. That’s why our approach focuses on:
Creating a safe and welcoming environment where each child feels accepted.
Planning activities that foster bonding with teachers and peers.
Maintaining close communication with parents to work together during the adaptation process.
Our spaces are designed to foster curiosity and learning, offering areas where children can explore freely while feeling safe and motivated.
A time for growth and learning.
Although the first weeks may seem challenging, this stage is full of opportunities. Children not only develop social and emotional skills, but they also learn to trust their ability to adapt to new experiences.
If you and your little one are going through this process, remember that you’re not alone. Be it for the first steps in preschool or the rest of your child's journey, at ABCnMe we are here to accompany you and make this transition a positive and enriching chapter.
We offer open enrollment throughout the year, start the process here and join the ABCnMe family!
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