I don’t know who is more anxious, me or my three-year-old. Exactly one week from today she starts preschool and it’s creeping up fast.
We’ve been talking for a while about school and what will happen there, but it wasn’t until this past week that my daughter started to understand what was happening. She’s been talking about it often, and sometimes out of blue.
We’ve been doing a number of things to get ready for this first day. Like:
- Have a play date with the class at the school playground
- Talk about what school will be like. Lots of crafts, building, story time, playing etc…
- Explain who will drop her off and who will pick her up
- Talk to her about how it’s okay to be nervous or scared and that other kids might be feeling the same way
- I’ve shared my own experiences from when I had a first day of school
- We’ve watched episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Dora the Explorer about their first day of school
We were also fortunate enough to have two of her teachers make a home visit. That made me and her feel better because we were able to get to know them at our home and show them what my daughter likes and who she is in a comfortable environment. I think this will definitely help her adjust at school, especially when teachers reference something from their visit.
I’m also excited to go to her classroom picnic later this week, where we again will get to meet with classmates and teachers.
My daughter’s school also allows parents to stay one hour on the first day with their child, so that has put me at ease, too.
I KNOW the first day will be hard. I’m anticipating TEARS and separation anxiety, but first day jitters are to be expected. I just hope she enjoys it eventually.
Ready or not, it’s time!
Parents, how did you get your little ones ready for their first day? I would love to hear any more tips from experience you may have. 🙂
I remember the first day of preschool for my kids! Miss that!! Now they are both out of the house all day! =( Enjoy preschool babies!
I feel like a lot of kids just say “bye”! … but I remember my sister going to COLLEGE and sobbing hysterically. Best thing for her… and maybe for the babies, too, is to just let them go and cry it out (and secretly cry in the car, too). I wish you the best school year!
Aw thanks Chelley!
Oh, Courtney, I can only imagine how anxious you must be! I love that the teachers came to your house to meet your daughter. That is awesome! I’m sure everything will be great. It sounds like you guys have prepared her well!
I hope so! I’m just sad that’s she’s growing so fast! Time needs to slow down. 🙂
Courtney, this is such a precious time. I’m sad and excited for you at the same time. I’m sure it will go even more smoothly than you can imagine! You’re doing everything right. My kids LOVED preschool. I cried when they started elementary school, then again when my son started middle school. It goes by in a flash! ENJOY. EVERY. MINUTE.
It is such a precious time. All I keep thinking about is how old she’s getting. I remember when I was pregnant with her like it was yesterday!
I felt cheated when my little guys just said “bye mommy, see you later.” I was the only one with tears and separation anxiety. Llama, Llama, I Want Mama is a great book too.
Ooh we are going to the library tomorrow, I should pick that up. Thanks!
So my two and a half year old started “school” yesterday. I think it was harder for me!!! He was like “see ya mommy!” when he saw all those toys. But like you, we talked about it for weeks ahead of time. How important it is to share when he’s there, to listen to his teacher, etc. The first day went ok, for his first experience being cared for by someone other than us or my parents, I am pretty pleased!!
Good luck next week!!!
Wow, yay for him being so adjusted!! Sounds like it went well. Thanks for well wishes!