Is your child ready for preschool? If your child has been
attending daycare, you may think that he or she will
automatically be ready for the preschool environment, however
this may not be the case. Here are some ways that you can help
prepare your child for preschool.

Preschool Idea #1- Encourage your Child to Spend time with
Others

Before you can expect your child to play with other children,
you must first expose him or her to other playmates. This is
the best training to introduce your child to concepts such as
sharing and taking turns. Many preschoolers are isolated from
other children and this can make integration into the preschool
more traumatic. By simply arranging for your child to have play
dates with friends, or by enrolling him or her in a social
gathering, you can ensure that your child will have the
exposure needed to feel confident in a social setting.

Preschool Idea #2- Acknowledge Your Child’s Fears

It is very important that if your child tells you that he or
she is fearful about starting preschool, that you acknowledge
their fears and don’t dismiss them. Many times, well-meaning
parents shrug off their children’s fears and in turn reply with
upbeat and positive replies. However, it is crucial to your
child’s emotional development that they express their fears and
insecurities and feel that they are acknowledged. To help them
overcome their nervousness, try watching a video together that
pertains to starting school, or even read a book together that
discusses it. The Franklin series, by Paulette Bourgeois, has a
great book called, “Franklin goes to School”. You can also
browse for more titles at your local library.

By taking the time to prepare your child, instilling routines
or rituals, and planning on more activities for your child that
involve other children, you can ensure that your little one will
be well prepared when it is time for him or her to start
preschool.


About The Author: Jennifer Houck is the owner of the online
Parent Center at http://www.ilovebeingamom.com to where you can
find many more resources and arts/crafts to help in raising in
your preschooler.