The start of a new school year can be a stressful time for both parents and children, especially if your child is about to enter preschool for the first time. It's natural for children to feel anxious about this new experience. As a parent, you play a crucial role in easing their fears and helping them feel excited about this new adventure.

Here are some practical tips to help your child combat preschool jitters.

Visit the School Together

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to familiarize your child with their new environment.

Many schools have “Open House” nights before the start of a new school year, but this may be a little less common in preschools. If you’re unsure, ask your child’s preschool if they offer tours. Showing them the classrooms, playground, and any other areas they will be spending time in can help them get familiar with their surroundings and maybe even introduce some excitement for them all of the cool new things they get to interact with.

Additionally, it can be beneficial for your child to meet their teacher or teachers before the first day. This can help them feel more comfortable and build a sense of familiarity.

Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine, and having a predictable schedule can help ease anxiety.

Start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time a few weeks before school starts to align with the school schedule, and create a simple, enjoyable morning routine that you can stick to every day. This can include breakfast together, a quick walk, or reading a favorite book.

Talk About What to Expect

Discussing the preschool day can help your child feel more comfortable and excited about this new experience. Describe the typical routine, including fun activities like morning songs, art projects, storytime, outdoor play, and group games. Explain snack times, nap time, and how teachers will help throughout the day.

Encourage your child to ask questions about making friends, using the bathroom, or any concerns they might have. Keep your explanations simple, positive, and age-appropriate. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, helping your child view preschool as an exciting adventure rather than a scary shift from the norm.

Read Books About School

Reading books about school is an excellent way to prepare children for their first school experience, especially for preschoolers. Here are some highly recommended books that can help children feel more comfortable and excited about starting school:

1. "The Night Before Preschool" by Natasha Wing: This rhyming story follows Billy's first day of preschool, showing how initial nervousness can turn into excitement and fun.
2. "Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney: This book addresses separation anxiety, showing how Llama overcomes his initial fears and enjoys his time at school.
3. "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn: A classic story that offers a comforting strategy for children dealing with separation anxiety.
4. "David Goes to School" by David Shannon: A humorous read-aloud that can help ease anxieties about school.
5. "The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!" by Mo Willems: A silly and fun book where the Pigeon talks through his worries about school and ends up excited about it.
6. "Wemberly Worried" by Kevin Henkes: A lovely story for children who might be anxious about starting school.

These books can help children understand what to expect at school, address common concerns, and present school as an exciting adventure.

Encourage Social Skills

Some children are more outgoing than others, but it’s not entirely uncommon for even the biggest social butterflies to feel a bit stand-offish at preschool. Helping your child build social skills, especially with children they don’t know, can significantly ease their transition to preschool.

If possible, arrange playdates with future classmates to familiarize your child with peer interactions and potential friends. At home, use role-playing to practice common preschool scenarios like sharing toys, taking turns, and following instructions. This can boost your child's confidence in social situations.

Encourage communication by teaching simple phrases like "Can I play?" or "My turn, please." Model good social behavior yourself and praise your child's efforts to be kind and cooperative.

Pack Comfort Items

Allowing your child to bring a small comfort item to preschool can significantly ease the transition and provide emotional support. This "transitional object" could be a favorite stuffed animal, a family photo, or a small blanket that reminds them of home.

These items act as a security anchor, offering comfort in the new environment and helping to manage separation anxiety. Discuss with your child what item they'd like to bring and explain its purpose.

Check with the preschool about their policy on personal items and ensure the object is small and easily manageable, and not a live animal — although it’s totally understandable why they may want to bring the family pet! 

This familiar piece of home can boost your child's confidence, making them feel safer and more ready to engage in preschool activities.

Stay Positive and Confident

Your child's perception of preschool is greatly influenced by your attitude, so maintaining a positive and confident outlook is crucial. While it’s normal to feel a sense of sadness that your child is growing up, and may spend more time away from you than you’ve grown accustomed to during the day, those feelings can translate to them. Instead, express genuine excitement about this new chapter, sharing upbeat stories from your own school experiences. This goes for family members as well.

At the same time, acknowledge and normalize any nervousness they might feel. Reassure them that it's okay to have mixed emotions and that they'll grow more comfortable as they settle into their new routine.

Gradual Separation

As we mentioned earlier, this may be the first time you’ve spent a considerable number of hours away from your child and vice versa. Start small and introduce short periods apart, perhaps leaving them with a trusted family member or friend for increasing durations. This helps build their confidence in your return and their ability to cope without you.

Simultaneously, develop a consistent, brief goodbye routine. This could include a special hug, a silly handshake, or a specific phrase like "See you later, alligator!" Keep goodbyes positive, quick, and predictable. Avoid prolonged farewells or sneaking away, as these can increase anxiety. Explain when you'll return, using concepts they understand, like "after nap time."

This gradual approach, coupled with a reliable goodbye ritual, can significantly ease the transition, making preschool drop-offs smoother for both you and your child.

Keep Communication Open

Fostering open communication with your child about their preschool experiences is crucial for their emotional well-being and adjustment. Implement daily check-ins after school, using open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. Ask about their favorite activities, new friends they've made, or any challenges they faced.

Instead of simple "yes" or "no" questions, try prompts like "Tell me about the most fun thing you did today" or "What made you laugh at school?"

Practice active listening, giving your child your full attention and validating their feelings, whether positive or negative. If they express concerns, offer reassurance and brainstorm solutions together. This open dialogue not only helps you stay informed about their experiences but also strengthens your bond and builds their confidence in sharing their thoughts and emotions with you.

The Takeaway

Starting preschool is a significant milestone in your child’s life, and a little preparation can go a long way in easing their preschool jitters. By taking proactive steps to familiarize your child with their new environment, establishing routines, and providing emotional support, you can help them transition smoothly and set the stage for a positive school experience.

Remember, your confidence and positivity will inspire the same in your child. Here’s to a wonderful start to the new school year!