The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Helping Your Child Prepare for Preschool: A Parent’s Guide



Preschool is a big and exciting step for your child, and for you too! It means new friends, new learning, and a new routine. As a result, it's normal for both kids and parents to feel a mix of excitement and a little worry. But with some gentle preparation, you can make this big change smooth and happy for everyone. This guide offers simple tips to help your child get ready for their preschool adventure.

1. Start Early (But Don't Stress!)

You don't need to do everything at the last minute. Instead, think about small, gentle steps you can take over a few weeks or months. The main goal isn't to make your child a "perfect" preschooler, but rather to help them feel comfortable and ready for new experiences. Just focus on making it fun!

2. Building Key Skills (Through Play!)

A good early learning centre is ideal for learning and growing. Many helpful skills can be practised just by playing every day.

  • Social & Emotional Growth: 
    • Playdates: Set up short playdates. This helps your child practice sharing toys and taking turns.
    • Short Separations: Let your child spend short times away with a trusted person. This helps them learn you'll always return.
    • Talk About Feelings: Help your child name how they feel (like "sad" or "happy"). This helps them tell teachers later.

  • Self-Help Skills:

    • Potty Training: Encourage using the toilet, washing hands, and telling a teacher they need to go.
    • Dressing: Practice putting on simple clothes and shoes, like zipping a coat.
    • Washing Hands & Wiping Nose: Make these important habits to keep germs away.
    • Eating Independently: Encourage eating snacks and drinking from a cup by themselves.

  • Language & Listening:

    • Talk and Listen: Have many talks, ask questions, and read stories together.
    • Follow Simple Instructions: Practice following one or two easy directions, like "Please put the toy away."
    • Use Words to Ask: Encourage using words to ask for what they need, instead of just pointing or crying.

3. Getting Ready for the School Routine

Preschool has its daily rhythm. Knowing what to expect helps kids feel safe and secure.

  • Talk About Preschool: Chat happily about new friends or singing songs there.
  • Read Books: Find books about starting school; these can calm fears.
  • Practice a Routine: Set a regular bedtime and morning routine, like getting dressed and eating breakfast.
  • "School" Play: Pretend to go to "school" at home, practising story or quiet time.

4. Visiting the Preschool

If possible, take your child to visit the preschool before their first day.

  • Explore: Walk around the classroom and play on the playground. Let them see where everything is.
  • Meet Teachers: Introduce your child to their teachers. Even a quick "hello" helps make the teachers feel familiar.
  • Positive Experience: Make this visit fun and exciting. Talk about all the cool toys and activities they'll get to do there.

5. The "Good-Bye" Moment

Saying goodbye on the first day can be tough for both of you, but a smooth goodbye helps everyone.

  • Practice Short Goodbyes: When you leave your child with others, make your goodbyes quick and sweet. A fast hug and a cheerful "I love you, I'll be back!" works better than a long, drawn-out farewell.
  • Special Ritual: Maybe create a special handshake or a secret wave for drop-off.
  • Stay Calm: If your child cries, that's natural. Stay calm and positive. Reassure them you'll be back, and then let the teacher help them settle in. Teachers are good at this!

6. Parents' Role: Stay Positive and Patient

Your feelings about preschool can really rub off on your child. Therefore, it's important to set a positive tone.

  • Be Positive: Talk about preschool in a happy, excited voice. Your excitement can make them excited too!
  • Listen to Worries: If your child has questions or worries, listen carefully. Don't brush them aside. Answer them honestly and kindly.
  • Understand Bumps: The first few weeks might have good days and harder days. That's normal. Be patient with your child and yourself.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Praise your child for every little step forward, such as trying a new activity or making a new friend.

Helping your child get ready for preschool is a journey, not a race. By focusing on gentle preparation, encouraging new skills through play, getting used to the routine, and keeping a positive attitude, you can make this big step a happy and successful one. Trust your child to adapt, and also trust the preschool to be a caring place. Soon, they'll be happy and growing in their new classroom!

Times Magazine

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

The Times Features

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...