6 Tips on How to Prepare a Child for Kindergarten
Preparing for the transition to kindergarten can be stressful for both children and parents. It is a significant step, so the preparation should be considered. Together with a psychologist, we have prepared a few tips to help you prepare.
"The preparation for the actual transition to kindergarten starts at home. Parents should talk a lot with their children about kindergarten, read various books and stories from the kindergarten environment, take walks around the kindergarten, and so on. These things should be done positively, as parents want to arouse curiosity and interest in the child, not fear and resistance. They can focus on playground friends who will also be attending the same kindergarten," said psychologist Mgr. Nikola de Almeida.
"Another crucial aspect is the adaptation, which varies in each kindergarten. Some allow parents to enter for a few hours and have a gradual separation process, while others prefer parents to leave the child in the classroom right away. Whether it's one way or the other, parents must be aware that everything is new for the child, and what they knew and did with them before will suddenly be different, and the child will need time to get used to it."
Here are some tips you can use before kindergarten commencement - they will help your children too.
1. Talk about the kindergarten
Talk to the child about what kindergarten will be like, what kind of friends they will have, how they will play, and what activities they will do during the day. By doing so, the child will know what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Focus on the positive aspects - new friends, toys, knowledge, and experiences. It will stimulate joy in the child, and the adaptation process will be smoother and more manageable.
2. Visit the kindergarten
Visit the kindergarten before your child starts frequenting the kindergarten. Your child will then get to know the new environment and observe what every day looks like in the kindergarten and what awaits him there.
3. Train separation
Separation can be challenging both for you and your child. Therefore, try practising it before starting kindergarten. Short separations can help with this. Can your child stay alone with grandparents? Will they go for a walk with their aunt? If yes, it will significantly ease the adaptation in kindergarten.
4. Establish friendships
Children are social beings; they enjoy the company of others, especially their peers. It is beneficial for a child to know that there will be friends and other children in kindergarten with whom they can play and experience new adventures. If you know other children who will attend the same kindergarten, arrange meetings with them to allow your child to make friends before starting kindergarten. It will make it easier for them as they will have someone to look forward to, someone they already know and consider a friend.
5. Teach your children to be independent
In kindergarten, children need to master basic skills independently. Therefore, letting your child explore and try new things before starting kindergarten is suitable. If they can play in their room without you, dress and put on shoes with your help, or eat and drink independently, they will handle all the tasks in kindergarten much more quickly as they will feel independent. Encouraging your child's independence and self-sufficiency will make their transition to kindergarten smoother and foster their sense of autonomy and confidence as they grow.
6. Adapt your daily routine
Every kindergarten has a specific daily routine and rules. Talk to your child about them and try to practice the new way a few months before starting kindergarten. It can include spending time outdoors, developing good hygiene habits, and following regular eating and sleeping schedules, among other things. The sooner your child gets used to the new routine, the easier the beginning of kindergarten will be.
The psychologist also adds that continuous attendance at the kindergarten facility is the key to a successful adaptation. From her perspective, it is not advisable to interrupt visits after a few days, even if the child cries during separation. "Qualified professionals work in kindergartens and know how to calm and engage a child. In this case, the burden shifts more towards the parents, who often cry when leaving or consider returning to the classroom for their child. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT. As an adult needs time to adapt to change, so does a child. We can support the adaptation process by giving the child time, understanding, time to rest, venting their feelings, and trying to understand their emotions. HOWEVER, we should not show concerns or fears about whether they can handle it. Every single child who starts kindergarten has always managed it, with either less or more assistance," the psychologist explained.
