Tips To Have A Smooth Preschool Drop Off
Z started a preschool prep program, just before he turned 2.
There’s no denying that it’s been a transitional time for many children. When the pandemic hit and prompted the closure of schools, my toddler had just settled into a preschool routine. As a work from home mom, Z spent a lot of time with me before his first day of school, and the transition was rocky. My boy went from crying daily at drop off—for weeks, to finally easing in. Just as we were getting into a smooth routine, his school closed due to lockdown.
Recently, 16 months later, Z went back to in-person learning at a brand new preschool. Given all that transpired and the big changes that have been made since he’s been in a regular school environment, I wanted to make sure that he had a better drop off experience. I also wanted him to feel more confident, safe, and joyful when he joined his new class.
Z , masked up holding onto a Paw Patrol character before school. He’s 3 now!
Here’s a few ways my family and I have helped him step into a new preschool with ease. I hope that these tips help you, if you find yourself in a similar stage, whether your little one is starting preschool or kindergarten:
Talk about preschool ahead of time: My daughter, Z’s older sis, has been hyping up preschool for a few months! She started school earlier than he did and had an easier time settling in. She’s enjoyed giving her younger brother the 411 on the school routine. She’s talked to him about how much fun it is, and the new teachers and friends he’ll meet. If your child doesn’t have an older sibling, talk to them directly about the details of school so that it’s not a mystery. Encourage those who are around them to do the same, whether it be a babysitter, extended family, or friends. Role playing with toys, puppets and even reading books can help. A few of our favorites include: Llama Llama Misses Mama and Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten.
Get them familiar before the big day: Arrange a time to visit the school with your child, before it starts. If COVID safety procedures don’t allow you to go inside, familiarize your kid with the school building in advance by walking or driving by. Set-up a virtual visit with their teacher, or arrange a playdate with a preschool friend before their first day of school.
Stay optimistic: Children pick up on emotional signs from us, parents. Staying positive, calm, and confident in their presence helps. Try NOT to mention that your child is scared or that you are equally as nervous, in front of them. This will amplify their feelings of uncertainty.
Z and K hanging out. She loves filling her brother in on all of the preschool fun.
Help them feel confident and independent before the big day: Ask them to be your helper by assisting you with picking out their clothes, preparing their school lunch, selecting their favorite backpack. Take them for a nice haircut or style before school starts.
Prepare them developmentally: Although every child meets milestones at their own pace, being potty trained may help with their confidence at preschool. I know this is not an easy feat. Being in a group setting where potty training is encouraged may also help speed up the process, if your mini me is still getting the hang of it.
Get good rest and eats: Getting adequate rest by setting a hard bedtime, a week before, will help your preschooler get into a routine. It may also help you, as a parent, get more Zzz’s and prepare for the schedule change. According to the Cleveland Clinic, toddlers need 10-13 hours of sleep every night, along with a daytime nap. Trimming back on sugar and processed foods can also help, as your kid prepares to be in an environment with their peers. Immune boosting foods like berries, bananas, kiwi, citrus fruits, broccoli and other leafy greens can help safeguard your child in the face of school germs.
Consider a learning pod: During the height of the pandemic, we teamed up with another family to participate in PodSkool. Our kids had an opportunity to learn and do STEAM activities in our backyard with a teacher, alongside a few friends. Forming a pod with another COVID safe family was a great way to keep them academically engaged, and share teaching costs. PodSkool pods allow children (ages 2-8) to receive individualized learning, while being in a safe, preparatory setting. It really helped Z, academically and socially, before joining his bigger preschool, which has 15 students. Teaming up for consistent playdates with a few other children can also help your little one ease into learning alongside their peers.
Our learning pod
Prep what you can in advance: Pack their school bag, plan breakfast, pick out their clothes, and add non-perishable items to their lunch in advance. Give yourself time to label their clothes with their names on it. Ordering fabric labels or a labeler online saves time. Leave early on the first day of school, so that you are less likely to rush at drop off.
Practice wearing their mask: Make sure that your preschooler knows how to safely wear their mask and keep it on, with little assistance. We practiced mask-wearing by taking neighborhood walks, and keeping it on for extended periods during PodSkool.
Pack a comfort toy: Whether it’s a stuffed animal, or in my son’s case his favorite toy car, make sure to pack a comfort item to help your child settle in. There’s nothing better than holding something familiar from home, when you’re in an unfamiliar place.
Be patient if they regress: The first day of drop off may be a breeze, but the 3rd, 5th or even 10th day could be more challenging. Some children are more prone to a flip out once they realize that their new school schedule is permanent. Emotions may also erupt if there is change at home, like a move or the arrival of a new sibling. Settling into preschool can take months. Be patient with yourself and your toddler in the process.
“When it’s time to leave out, keep your goodbye short and reassure your child that you’ll return. Being on time for pickup will reinforce the fact that you kept your promise.”
Create a goodbye ritual: Whether it’s a special song, handshake, affirmation or prayer, fill your toddler up with something that you do only at drop off. It helps to provide them with security, consistency and love.
Be prepared to stay. Be prepared to go: Many preschools ask that parents be prepared to stay with their children, during their first week, until they feel comfortable. This can mean staying for a few minutes, hours, or the whole day, depending on how well your child adjusts. Take a backseat to their teacher and peers if you’re asked to stay for an extended time, to provide an easier transition. When it’s time to leave out, keep your goodbye short and reassure your child that you’ll return. Being on time for pickup will reinforce the fact that you kept your promise.
Cry it out: If you’re like me, and possibly more emotional about preschool drop off than your child :) make sure to have someone to call on standby in case you need a good “I can’t believe my baby is in preschool” cry! Let the tears flow in the car. Crying has healing power!
Additional Source: Parents
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