Tip #1: Let go of the pressure of success
“Parents are often anxious” confides Lyliane Nemet-Pier. Questions like: “Will he follow? Is he going to behave well?” are legion. They are legitimate, of course. For the first time, the child will confront evaluation and the community. He will be forced to concentrate, to hold still, not to be aggressive with the other children. “Kindergarten is a delicate passage, where a little one’s troubles can be revealed” adds our expert.
But, the less you stress, the better he will feel ! He will adapt better if you trust him. After all, you shouldn’t exaggerate. “Our kindergartens are a model that many countries copy” recalls the psychologist.
Tip #2: Kindergarten should not be a threat
Kindergarten represents an important milestone in the evolution of the child, who goes from “baby” to “big”. In addition to a certain discipline to which he will have to adhere, there is the obligation of cleanliness. So many constraints that can push parents to sometimes brandish the kindergarten to support their authority. “If you’re not good, we won’t take you to kindergarten, if you’re not clean, either” are as many phrases to avoid.
“If your child is not potty trained or very independent,
school can be a driving force” assures Lyliane Nemet-Pier. By copying his little comrades, he can make leaps forward.
Tip #3: Give your child the keys to community life
Llearning of the community will be done more or less well according to certain criteria. If he was in a daycare or nanny, he should adapt without any problem. He is already used to not being the center of the world. On the other hand, for those who were with a nanny or their mother, the passage may be more difficult. To properly prepare your child, reassure him without worrying him.
- In the first case, secure it while talking to him about the friends he is going to meet: “Gaspard will probably be in the same kindergarten“At this age, having a friend is important, so he is not in an unknown world.
- And if he was in nanny or with you, tell him that he is going to make friends during playtime. The psychologist procrastinates: “Be attentive to the child’s possible concernsreassure him, but without creating anxiety that he does not have“.
Tip #4: On the first day of school: accompany him both
The first day, put the odds on your side, or rather on his side. If it is possible accompany him both. “It’s more solemn, and
more reassuring to experience this first return to school all three” explains the psychologist. Also try to
pick him up after schoolalone this time, it’s enough.
“That he can tell you his emotions, and his feelings” insists the psychologist. Ask him if it was good, and not if he worked well. Some children will tell in detail, others not at all, or just a particular point. Whatever his profile, there is no need to pester him. Instead, try to assess whether he is happy or not.. And pay attention to his desire to return.
Tip #5: Avoid daycare in the early days
It’s true, daycare is very practical, especially when both parents work. However, there the children are running together, they continue to excite each other: we have to calm things down! The first times, avoid leaving him at daycare, so that he is not bathed in the community all day. Just long enough for him to adapt, the first month for example.
Lyliane Nemet-Pier specifies: “It is better that the child finds himself in peace, at homeespecially if he is tired, or agitated“. The best is to make contact with a babysitter, if necessary.
Tip #6: Part-time kindergarten
We don’t always know but it is possible to keep your child at home in the afternoon ; It’s ideal for “tired” children. Sometimes it’s the school that will offer it to you.
Kindergarten can be tiring for some: you have to concentrate, be quiet, not play all the time. It is
a valuable solution for those who nap a lot, those who are fragile, or the youngest.
Tip #7: Stop speedy mornings
For many children, morning is the race…”If you can avoid it, it’s better” advises the psychologist.
It is better wake him up earlier if necessary. Waking up earlier will allow him tohave time to get dressed and eat lunch without running… If he has trouble getting out of bed, it’s because he hasn’t gotten enough sleep. Remember that he needs 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night.
Kindergarten: what to do in case of difficulties?
Some children encounter real relational difficulties, which can range from aggressiveness to withdrawal. It can be temporary, time to adapt. However, do not hesitate to consult if symptoms persist. It is better to deal with these difficulties quickly.