“Raising a three-year-old is a family affair,” goes the Vietnamese saying, truly capturing the sentiments of many parents as they prepare their children for preschool. How can parents ensure their child enjoys school, integrates quickly, and looks forward to going to school each day? This is a common concern for many parents. This article shares experiences and tips to gently and effectively ease your child’s transition into preschool.
Preparing Your Child Emotionally
Emotional preparation is the first and most crucial step. Talk to your child about preschool as a fun place with friends and toys. Nguyen Thi Lan, a preschool education expert in Hanoi, in her book ‘Nurturing Preschool Children,’ shares: “Parents should foster enthusiasm for school by sharing fun stories about school and playing with friends.” Avoid portraying school as a ‘punishment place’ when your child misbehaves, as this can make children fearful and resistant to attending school.
Establishing Daily Routines
Before starting school, establish routines for your child that align with the school day, such as eating meals on time, taking naps, and developing independence in personal tasks. This will help your child adapt more easily to the new environment and reduce feelings of unfamiliarity when away from home. Nguyen Thi Mai, Principal of Thanh Nhan Tran Khat Chan Preschool, shares: “Establishing healthy routines early in childhood is crucial for a child’s overall development.”
Visiting the Preschool Before Starting
Visiting the preschool with your child before they officially start is an effective way to ease their transition. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the environment, meet teachers and classmates, which can reduce anxiety and increase their excitement about attending school. I recall the story of Minh, my neighbor’s son. Initially, he was very apprehensive about school, but after his mother took him to visit and play there, to meet the teachers and other children, his attitude changed completely. Now, he looks forward to going to school every day.
Supporting Your Child in the Early Days
In the initial days of school, parents should take time to drop off and pick up their child, and stay with them for a short while to help them feel more secure. Gradually reduce the time you stay and encourage your child to confidently engage with their classmates. Preschool literacy activities also play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning. In Vietnamese tradition, some parents believe that choosing an auspicious day to start preschool brings peace of mind.
Parent comforting child on their first day of preschool
Eliminating Intermediate Preschool Education
Conclusion
Easing your child’s preschool transition is a journey requiring patience and love from parents. Always be there to support, encourage, and motivate your child to ensure they have positive early experiences at preschool. We hope these tips are helpful for parents. Feel free to leave comments and share your experiences below! You can also explore more articles on the ‘TUỔI THƠ’ website or contact us at 0372999999 or visit us at 234 Hao Nam, Hanoi. Our customer support team is available 24/7. Preschools in Binh Thanh District is a suggestion if you are looking for a preschool in this area.