Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
“My kid has separation anxiety and can’t bear to leave my side when I drop her off at school.”
“Starting a new preschool can be positioned as an exciting change rather than a fearful change,” says Coreen Soh, deputy general manager at The Little Skool House International.
“So, tell your child all about the positives of going to school, but also make sure that she’s prepared for the negatives. Identify various plus points about the school and show how these align with her interests.
“To help with the transition from home to preschool, bring your child to the orientation session and allow her to participate in pre-enrolment activities.”
Another way to minimise her anxiety is to talk to her about her new schedule and work with her to create a chart that details this new routine.
In addition, help her look forward to her new routine by going shopping for a new school bag, water bottle and other essentials with her; coming up with ideas for snacks that she can take to school; and discussing all the fun activities that will be taking place when term starts.
“Remember, too, that kids are greatly influenced by their parents’ emotional state, so be calm when you drop her off and pick her up,” Coreen adds.
“And if you’ve promised to pick her up at a certain time, keep your promise and don’t be late, as this will only cause her unnecessary panic and add to her anxiety.”
“My kid is scared about being in a new environment – how can I reassure him that he’s safe?”
It’s an unfamiliar environment for your little one, so it’s only natural for him to feel out of place. It doesn’t help being surrounded by kids and adults he doesn’t know, either.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
