Parenting Toddlers: Getting Ready for Preschool

 An important part of parenting toddlers is preparing the little ones for major changes in their daily routine. Getting ready for preschool is one such important change that parents need to prepare their toddler for. Here are some simple ways to choose the right preschool and prepare a toddler for it as well as deal with any separation anxiety that your child may experience on being away from you for the first time.

Choosing the Right Preschool

While there are no set criteria for the right preschool for your toddler, there are a few things that every preschool must have and be in order to provide a conducive environment. Here is a list that parents will find helpful when choosing a preschool for a toddler.

• Check that the preschool has a valid license.
• Visit the school to see classes in session and observe the children as well as the teacher’s interaction with them. Does it seem interesting, animated and age-appropriate?
• Does the school have a good teacher-student ratio or are there too many kids in one class?
• What outdoor play facilities does the school have? Do they toys and playthings look clean and in good shape? Does the school look clean, hygienic and safe?
• Does the school have an in-house doctor or nurse?
• Does it offer any additional facility that you, as a parent, want?
• How far is it from home? Will your toddler be spending more than 30 minutes commuting?

Preparing a Toddler for Day One of Playschool

Once the preschool is decided, parents will have to deal with the all-important task of preparing a toddler for the first day. First days can be either easy and fun or difficult and teary, depending upon a parent’s approach. Here are some ways to ensure that your toddler has former type of first day at his/her preschool.

• A week or ten days before the start of playschool, start showing a lot of excitement about it. Talk about how much fun playschool is and how he will be meeting a lot of new children.
• Describe activities that your toddler will be doing and in possible, take him along for a practice class.
• Read books and stories about preschool. Focus on how much fun the characters are having in school and involve your toddler by telling him that he, too, will be going to school real soon.
• Pick out a new lunch box or a special first-day outfit with your toddler.
• Mark the date on the calendar in bold and let your toddler count the days remaining for him to start preschool.

Dealing with a Toddler's Separation Anxiety

Even though, you may have done everything to prepare your toddler for preschool, chances are that he may experience some degree of separation anxiety. This is especially true for children of stay-at-home parents and who haven’t had much time away from mom or dad. Here are some simple ways to tackle and reduce separation anxiety in toddlers and preschoolers.

• Establish a routine and stick with it. Toddlers thrive on structure and routine, so establish a preschool routine of waking up at a set time, dressing up and walking or driving to the school. That will prepare your toddler and he’ll know what to expect.
• Help your toddler prepare for school the night before. Show him outfits and have him choose one to wear. Offer him favorite foods to choose from for lunch or snack time. Get him involved in the whole routine of going to preschool.
• Make going to school a fun exercise. Sing songs and rhymes on the way. Tell your toddler about the activities that he’ll be doing. Get him excited to be there.
• Do be prepared for tears and wails. While it is important to be compassionate and considerate, it is also, essential to be firm.
• Be gentle and firm but realistic. If your toddler develops a fever or has become withdrawn and reticent since starting preschool, you may want to delay sending him for a while.

Starting preschool is an important milestone in a toddler’s life.It signals an entry into the outside world, independent and alone. So, yes, for a toddler it could be a scary thing. Do use these tips and ideas and books like How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child to choose the perfect preschool and help your toddler adjust to this new stage of life.

Pic.Courtesy: lou & magoo http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmchronicles/338038680/