The idea of sending your little baby off to pre-school can be a very overwhelming feeling for you, but remember, your little toddler is probably more scared than you are. Here are some simple tips to help ease your fears and make your baby’s transition to a pre-schooler, easier to handle.

Encourage some time apart

The most common problem for both parent and child is the intense dependency that is formed early in your baby’s life. While this is completely natural, it is also recommended that you get your infant used to being around other people. Introduce this time apart gradually and gently. For example, start by leaving your child with the grandparents while you go to the nearby store. When the time comes for your baby to go to pre-school, the anxiety levels can be reduced significantly because they are already used to spending short durations away from you.

Talk About The Pre-school

Try to talk about the pre-school with your child. Don’t under-estimate their ability to sense things from your tone and expression. Talk about how much fun pre-school will be, how many friends he/she will make there, all the exciting games and toys that are there, etc. If your child senses any anxiety in your voice or even expression, it is likely that this anxiety will transfer to your child as well. By talking about the pre-school in a cheerful and excited way, you can help make it a pleasant experience and not one to fear.

Baby’s First Day

This day is important for your baby and for you as well. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you have enough time to spend at the pre-school on the first day. There is a chance that your toddler will be nervous and anxious, in which case you need to be prepared to stay for as long as it takes for your child to settle in.
• In all likelihood, you will be as anxious and emotional as your child is, but remember that it is important for you to smile and be cheerful. This will give your child confidence.
• Tell your child exactly where you are going and when you will be back. White lies such as ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes’, will cause anxiety when you don’t show up. Be honest and stick to the time promised.
• Most pre-schools will note down your contact details but incase they don’t, let them know that you would like to be contacted immediately if the need should arise.
• If your child cries and is unable to settle down, approach the staff in charge and seek help. They are trained to handle situations like these.
• Most importantly, remember not to panic. Your child will adapt to the new environment and will also enjoy it. You must remember that it is a natural part of life and need not worry incessantly.