How Parents Can Prepare Their Kids for Preschool

Preschool is a way to prepare your kids for kindergarten and beyond, but it’s important to make sure you prepare your child for preschool before they attend. There are things they need to know that will make transitioning to preschool much easier for everyone involved.

How to Socialize

Kids will obviously learn quite a bit about socializing when they are in preschool, but they need to know a few things before they enter a class. Sharing is important and essential for kids in preschool. A child will have to share toys, and this can be difficult for only children who have never had to practice. Teach your kids how to graciously share and how to resolve conflicts with as little drama as possible. It’s also good to teach your child how to approach other children and introduce herself. These small skills will go a long way in relieving anxiety for you and your child.

Potty Training

Kids should more or less be potty trained before entering preschool. Most preschools require this, though some will work with kids who have almost hit this milestone. Make sure your children have gone through training to use public restrooms before they attend preschool. A child should know to tell the teacher when they need to use the restroom and that just trying to hold it in is not a good idea. Children should also know how to wipe and clean themselves and to wash hands after every time in the restroom.

Teach Tidying

Your child’s preschool teacher will be managing an entire classroom of kids. She will expect them to clean up after themselves and will have a routine to ensure this occurs daily. Make sure you are teaching your child to do this at home, so it won’t be such a shock. Have your child take his plate and cup to the kitchen sink after eating. Make sure they pick up their toys after playing. Teach your child to leave a room tidy and to pick up one mess before making another one. These are skills that will serve them well in preschool and in life. Plus, they won’t feel like they are being asked to do something unreasonable at preschool if they are already used to picking up after themselves at home.

Preschool offers many benefits for children and teaches them important life skills. Give your child an edge by preparing them as much as possible before they start preschool. This will also help reduce separation anxiety when it comes time to drop them off.

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