The bond between mother and child is very strong, especially during the first few years, as the baby requires constant care and attention. Mum and baby are rarely apart during this time and Junior demands mum’s attention all waking hours, then comes the time when they are ready to experience the outside world and meet the other toddlers at kindergarten.
- Preparation is critical – The worst thing you could do is make the first day at kindergarten a big surprise! Young children can be very emotional and a sudden change of environment that is full of strangers can be a bit too much. Why not take Junior with you when you go to visit Little Learners Kindergarten and they can get familiar with their first education venue?
- Discuss school with your child – A few weeks prior to the start date, start talking about this great place you are planning to show them, familiarity means security, so do introduce the concept and make sure your child knows they will be visiting a happy place soon.
- Introduce their day pack –All the kids have a bag that contains stuff they need for their stay and you can start using that at home, introducing them to the contents. The best place to buy such a bag (and the contents) is online, where you can find the best brands at the lowest prices.
- Preview the song list – The kindergarten would have a list of songs they use on a daily basis and you can probably borrow the lyrics. Knowing the songs makes a big difference in building self-confidence.
- Synchronise nap time – Once you know the kindergarten routine, start your child sleeping at those times and this will make the transition a smooth one. You can make contact with the school to find out their program times and doing what you can to prepare your child will make a difference.
This is an exciting time for both mum and child; on the first day, choose your moment to leave and if your child cries, resist the urge to stay, as this is perfectly natural. Once you have gone, their mind will focus on the new and exciting environment.
