Brave as a Preschooler - Preschool Adaptation - A Guide for Parents

When our child suddenly transforms from an infant into a preschooler, their life is turned upside down. Being alone in a new place, away from their parents, is often stressful and emotionally charged. How can we make preschool adjustments easier for our little one?

Starting preschool is a challenging time for both parents and children. Over time, most children adapt well to the preschool environment and look forward to spending another day among their peers. Before that happens, however, each child faces an emotional and challenging preschool adjustment process. T-shirt for girls "I swallow books whole" 104-128 134-164

Kindergarten, what is it?

The first step, taken a few months before preschool starts, should be explaining to your child what this mysterious preschool is all about. Let's enthusiastically tell our little one about what awaits them in their new place. Don't limit yourself to assuring your child that it will be a wonderful experience. Instead, openly and honestly acknowledge that mom and dad won't be around – but in times of sadness and longing, your little one will be able to turn to their "auntie" who cares for them. A good way to introduce your child to preschool is a visit, or even several visits, to the facility where they're enrolled. Available children's books, featuring characters who are also starting their preschool adventure, can also help introduce them to the reality of preschool. Children's favorite character is back in Poland! Come with Mysia to preschool! Dress up as a pirate and dance like a ballerina, paint pictures and write a story, and feed the fish. Lucy Cousins ​​(born 1964) is an English illustrator and author of children's books. She graduated in graphic design from Brighton Polytechnic, then studied at the Royal College of Art. Her series about Mysia, which includes over 50 volumes, is known worldwide – it has been published in 27 different languages ​​and has sold millions of copies. Mysia has also spawned an animated series and even appeared on a postage stamp. The Mysia books were first published in Poland a dozen or so years ago. Today, we present them to young readers in a new translation.

Preschool adaptation - Training before separation

A crucial aspect of preschool is early socialization. Ensure your child has daily contact with peers, for example, on the playground or in the park. Take your child on trips or visits with friends, and try to change their environment periodically to help them adjust to their new surroundings. If possible, leave your child occasionally for a few hours with a grandmother, aunt, or friend. This way, we'll slowly accustom our child to situations where mom or dad aren't always within arm's reach.

A trip to get the layette and learning self-care

To arouse the enthusiasm of a future preschooler, it is worth involving him in all practical preparations, including, for example, assembling the preschool kit in the form of clothes and supplies.

Remember that preschool isn't a fashion show – a child should feel confident and comfortable in their clothes, above all. Also, make sure your preschooler has a spare change of clothes waiting for them in their locker. Furthermore, don't lock away the purchased layette in a cupboard, out of your little one's reach. On the contrary – let them become familiar with new objects and play with them, as well as "dress up" in new clothes. It's crucial to choose clothing items that support independence in the youngest children, so initially, avoid buttons, zippers, or shoelaces, which can be a challenge for untrained little hands. Of course, at the same time, engage children in various household chores and games at home to develop their fine motor and manual skills, says Aleksandra Charęzińska, a special education teacher, sensory integration therapist, and expert collaborating with Endo.

To ease your little one's difficult transition into this new reality, let's consistently teach them new, useful skills—like dressing independently, using cutlery, or using the potty. Let's approach this as a new game, so that it's enjoyable for the child.

Preschool adaptation and first separation campaign

The first independent day at preschool is usually preceded by adjustment sessions with parents. Depending on the facility, these sessions last from one to several days. During this time, we familiarize the child with the daily schedule, peers, and "aunties," and help them adjust to their new environment. After the adjustment period is complete, the most difficult period begins: the toddler's first independent days at preschool. It's worth ensuring that the first few days are spent only for 1-2 hours, and gradually increasing the time spent in the new place on subsequent days. A good idea to ease the toddler's first difficult moments at preschool is to let them take a "friend of misfortune" from home, such as a favorite teddy bear . Remember to approach the daily morning goodbye wisely. Although we certainly experience it on a similar level as our child, we shouldn't show fear or sadness. Be careful not to take too long to say goodbye, and don't lie to your child, assuring them that "Mommy will be here soon." In order for these first breakups to go smoothly, you need to remember about… yourself and your attitude.

Preschool adjustment begins in the mind, specifically the parent's. A few months before their preschool debut, as parents, we should carefully consider our readiness and work through any doubts. Children mirror the behaviors and emotions expressed by adults. Only by being confident in our decisions will we fully support our child. A great deal of emphasis is placed on getting to know the new environment and peers, but teachers are also crucial in the entire adjustment process – they will be the biggest support and guarantor of a sense of security in the absence of mom and dad. Therefore, it's important for the child to have the opportunity to meet their new teachers beforehand, " concludes Aleksandra Charęzińska, an Endo expert.

With what interest

Preparing for the first day of preschool is crucial. However, our behavior and support once they begin their adventure in a new place are equally crucial. Remember to talk to your child about their daily visits to preschool and their feelings. Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest. Maintain constant contact with the staff, don't be afraid to ask how your little one is feeling in the new environment, and offer tips and advice that will help the "aunties" build a rapport with your child. Even if you have mixed feelings about preschool or don't like something, don't show it in front of your child. Under no circumstances should you threaten preschool as a place to send your child when they're misbehaving. Adjustment isn't as scary as it seems. Skillful, early preparation for your future preschooler for their new adventure will make their first, emotional moments at preschool easier. Remember, adjustment isn't just about your child, but also about you. Therefore, it's worth preparing for it together. The text is also available on the website Mamdziecko.interia.pl