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 January 2019 edition of Young Parents Singapore.
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This story is from the January 2019 edition of Young Parents Singapore.
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
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