One of the memorable occasions for children and their parents is the first day at day care. You are sending your child into a new world and entrusting their lives toothers. Your child is entering a new environment where they will be surrounded by other kids and be nurtured by adults. Child care centers such as https://www.wonder-years.ca/ can provide such an experience for your kids.
Even though, at this point, you have already done your research and carefully selected a program that is fit for your child, you may still wonder whether they will want to attend that program, what if the teachers don’t understand what the child means, what if they cry?
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A bit of preparation can give you more confidence and ensure your kid will enjoy these amazing moments. But this preparation entirely depends on your child’s age, temperament and maturity. This article will walk you through all the preparation you need to do for your kids to be ready for their big milestones in life as they step towards a road to success.
Visit together
If you have the time, visit the new school together with your baby before the first day. Play together and with other kids and explore the classrooms. This will make them familiar with the environment and make it easy to start the first day smoothly.
Make New Friends
If possible, create some time and arrange a play date with other kids from their class so they’ll get to know each other even before the first day.
Playschool together at home
Unless you do small lessons at home, your child doesn’t know what school is, so one of the things you can do is play school together at home, pretend as if your home is a school with different routines such as story time, singing songs, nap time and other activities. You can also switch and allow them to be teachers. This will give them the idea that the whole school’s stuff is fun and reduce the stress and anxiety of the first day. Visit here: https://medium.com/@unlimiteddesigns.byamy/10-ideas-to-make-your-childs-first-day-of-school-unforgettable-%EF%B8%8F-9b032748e96bto learn more on how to make your child feel at ease on their first day at school
Build a Relationship With the Caregiver
A lot of times, even though children are not able to talk, they can still observe their surroundings. They usually base their opinion of the caregiver depending on how you react. Create time to speak with the caregiver every day to build a strong relationship. Caregivers from all reputable daycare centres like MMCNQ see parents as partners and want to have a strong relationship with you, the kid and the teachers. For example, the best daycare in Sherwood, Curious Minds Preschool & Daycare, emphasizes collaborative communication between parents and caregivers to support each child’s development.
Share Information About Your Child
Tell the caregiver important information about your child. This includes cues, likes, dislikes and temperament. What’s the best method of eating, and what makes them fall asleep first? These tips will help the caregiver know the best way to handle your kid. You can also tell them what kind of developmental skills you want your child to have and ask for daily updates about your kids’ progress
Create a Morning Routine
Routines ease anxiety because they give your child the idea that they are in control of their surroundings. Schedule morning routines so your child will know what you respect before going to the program. Ask whether the daycare offers breakfast so you will know whether you need to prepare it for them at home or you just need to take them there.
Develop a Goodbye Ritual
Develop a goodbye ritual in which you will notify your toddler that you are living so they will feel comfortable around their caregiver. This ritual can be a hug, high five, or playing with a toy before you leave or anything that makes them comfortable. Whatever you choose, ensure you take your time to explain to your child what happened without rushing the process. Once they become familiar with this goodbye routine, it will be easier for them to regulate their emotions and calm themselves whenever they go.
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Bring a Transitional Object
Your child will be more comfortable and at ease when they have an object that reminds them of their home. You can give them a family photo, stuffed animal, or one of their toys to hold, which will serve as a reminder that this environment is just a temporary one, and you will come and pick them up to go back home.
Ask What You Can Do at Home
Learning should happen all the time, ask the caregiver about the skills they will teach your child and what you will work on at home. You can also share information about the things you do at home, what the toddler is interested in, and whether the school can do something similar
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Bring a Change of Clothes
Always bring a change of clothes to your toddler, depending on their age, in case they encounter water, painting or dirt while they play. Also, ask if you are required to bring diapers. Share your information with the school and tell them when they will give you a call or email.
Conclusion
Attending school is among the steps of success in every human’s life. When it’s time for your kid to start this journey, you need to make certain preparations to make things smooth and easy for both you and them. First, visit the center together before the first play, play with other kids, give them something that will remind them that whatever it is, it is temporary and they will go back home later, develop a goodbye routine and leave your contact information with the school.
