You've spent practically every moment together since the day he was born. You are so attuned to his every need, he almost doesn't need to talk anymore. However, all good things eventually do come to an end. Whether you are returning to work or sending your child to daycare because you feel he needs more stimulation, it can be quite an adjustment period for him. Here are some tips to help prepare him for the big day.
Visit the facility before school begins. You want to show her exactly where she is going to be during the time that you are away. Point out the toys, the bathroom, where she will hang her briefcase and coat and where she'll be sitting. Introduce her to the teachers. Make sure she knows how to get from the entrance of the building to the classroom and from her classroom to the bathroom. Practice it a few times if necessary.
Get a list of children that will be attending the daycare with him and try to arrange playdates. It will be a lot easier for him to adjust if he recognizes a familiar face.
Before the year starts speak to the teacher about your child. State her likes and dislikes and all the tricks that you know about your child. If she knows how to stop an oncoming tantrum they will both be better off. Forwarned is forearmed!
Read her books about other children who started school. Ask your librarian for recommendations.
Speak to her about daycare. Tell her how much fun she will have. Tell her what toys will be there, what type of activities she'll do and what she should do if she needs help with something. Bring up different situations and what she should do if these scenarios come up. Tell her where you will be while she is at school and that you will be rushing back at the end of the day to pick her up. No matter how nervous you are about the upcoming big day, be sure to always speak very positively about daycare. You do not want them to pick up any negative vibes about going.
Set her on a good sleep schedule at least a week before. Summer bedtime tendd to get late, but toddlers need 12+ hours of sleep in order to function well the next day. Figure out what time she needs to wake up in the morning in order to be ready on time. Set her bedtime accordingly and stick to it. You need her to be well rested on the first day of school.
Get her involved in picking out his school gear. Shop with him for special first day of daycare clothes. Browse online for a great briefcase, lunchbox or nap kit if necessary. He will look forward to starting daycare with his special gear.
Be sure to snap a picture before he heads off on the first day, it's quite a milestone!
Visit the facility before school begins. You want to show her exactly where she is going to be during the time that you are away. Point out the toys, the bathroom, where she will hang her briefcase and coat and where she'll be sitting. Introduce her to the teachers. Make sure she knows how to get from the entrance of the building to the classroom and from her classroom to the bathroom. Practice it a few times if necessary.
Get a list of children that will be attending the daycare with him and try to arrange playdates. It will be a lot easier for him to adjust if he recognizes a familiar face.
Before the year starts speak to the teacher about your child. State her likes and dislikes and all the tricks that you know about your child. If she knows how to stop an oncoming tantrum they will both be better off. Forwarned is forearmed!
Read her books about other children who started school. Ask your librarian for recommendations.
Speak to her about daycare. Tell her how much fun she will have. Tell her what toys will be there, what type of activities she'll do and what she should do if she needs help with something. Bring up different situations and what she should do if these scenarios come up. Tell her where you will be while she is at school and that you will be rushing back at the end of the day to pick her up. No matter how nervous you are about the upcoming big day, be sure to always speak very positively about daycare. You do not want them to pick up any negative vibes about going.
Set her on a good sleep schedule at least a week before. Summer bedtime tendd to get late, but toddlers need 12+ hours of sleep in order to function well the next day. Figure out what time she needs to wake up in the morning in order to be ready on time. Set her bedtime accordingly and stick to it. You need her to be well rested on the first day of school.
Get her involved in picking out his school gear. Shop with him for special first day of daycare clothes. Browse online for a great briefcase, lunchbox or nap kit if necessary. He will look forward to starting daycare with his special gear.
Be sure to snap a picture before he heads off on the first day, it's quite a milestone!
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