When your child attends nursery for the first time, it is a massive step for both them, as well as you, and it is important that you prepare for the event in advance. If you have not chosen where to send your child yet, you can get some excellent advice online to help you decide on where is best for your child. Getting prepared is something that can start up to a couple of months in advance, and one of the best ways to get them ready is to let them visit the premises to see what they think of it.
Getting Used To Their Surroundings
It is important that your child feels comfortable in their new surroundings, so you will want them to get as familiar with them as possible. Letting your child visit the day care centre in advance will help to get them excited about this new chapter in their lives. When your child sees all of the other kids playing, they will most likely be excited to join them and make them keen to attend.
A Little Independence
The weeks leading up to attending nursery for the first time, you will want to make sure that your child is capable of surviving happily in their new environment. One way to do this is to give them a little independence and self-sufficiency, depending on the age of the child of course. Teaching them to use the toilet properly, wash their hands, eat their food, or tie their shoes, can go a long way in helping them to thrive in their new surroundings.
Get Into A Routine
Before your child starts to attend their new nursery, you will want to make sure that they are getting up early and into the routine of early mornings. Doing so will help them to prepare for their upcoming adventure and ensure that they are ready to start the learning experience. It is also an idea to serve them similar food so that they will be getting fed in the nursery, to make sure they are used to it.
The Big Day
You will want to get up a little earlier than normal to make sure that you have plenty of time to get your child prepared for their first day. You will want to reassure them if they are nervous or apprehensive. Arrive at school early so that you can spend some time with them before you leave, and if your child requires you can let them take a security object with them such as a small toy or stuffed animal. Reassure your child that when you go you will come back in the afternoon and a few tears are to be expected, on both sides!
Take A Sneak Peek
So that you can reassure yourself that they are fine, your day care may allow you to have a sneak peek at how they are doing, and you may be surprised at how well they cope. Looking at your child interact with others without them knowing that you are there should help to put your mind at ease and be confident that your child is in safe hands.
