Preparation Before Starting Kindergarten
Psychological Preparation
- Take your child to visit the kindergarten in advance to familiarize them with the environment
- Read picture books about kindergarten to learn about kindergarten life
- Describe kindergarten in positive language, without scaring them
- Create a goodbye ritual so the child feels secure
Preparation for Self-Care Skills
- Feed themselves with a spoon and drink by themselves
- Dress and undress in simple clothes and shoes on their own
- Express the need to use the toilet and use it by themselves
- Put away their own toys and belongings
Preparation for Social Skills
- Experience playing with other children
- Learn to share and take turns
- Be able to express their needs in words
- Know basic polite expressions
Ways to Ease Separation Anxiety
- Build a sense of security: tell your baby that Mom will definitely come to pick them up
- Don’t sneak away: say a proper goodbye, then leave firmly
- Prepare a transition object: bring a family photo or a favorite toy
- Pick up on time: try to pick up early in the first few days to give the child a sense of security
- Spend more time together after coming home: don’t interrogate about kindergarten; wait for the child to speak up
Adjusting Parents’ Mindset
- Trust the teachers, trust the child
- Don’t linger at the door, as seeing you makes the child more anxious
- Crying in the early days is normal; keep bringing them
- Stay in communication with teachers to learn how the child is doing at school
Separation anxiety is not only felt by children, but also by parents. Give yourselves and your child some time; adjustment is a process.
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