It happens so fast and the children are starting kindergarten. This is a big change for both child and parents, especially for the child, as they have to find their way there without their most important caregivers, like mom and dad. For some children it goes faster, and some suffer. If the settling-in process at kindergarten is not going well, it leads to frustration and anxiety for both parents and child. To avoid this and to enable your child to have a good start in kindergarten, you can follow a few tips.
Settling into kindergarten
Kindergarten is nice
Convey to the child that it is nice to go to kindergarten. This means setting a good example and avoiding sentences like: "Mom is sad when she has to drop you off now." Or similar. Do not cry in front of the child, otherwise they will definitely do the same.
No must
Try to convey to the child that they do not HAVE to go to kindergarten, but GET to. That it is something special and not something to be taken for granted.
Encourage the child's independence
Do not cling to your child during the settling-in phase, but rather encourage your child's contact with other children. It gives the child security if you play with them and other children on the first day and then slowly withdraw from the situation so that the play can continue without you. If your child comes back to you, do not push them away so that they continue to occupy themselves with the other children, but show your child that you are still there for them and allow them a cuddle on mom's lap every now and then.
Take something from home
When you leave your child alone at daycare, a familiar piece from home, such as a security blanket or a stuffed animal, can provide more comfort and familiarity.
Do not leave them there too long at the beginning
Do not leave your child in kindergarten for too long at the beginning. It is even best if it is when the child likes it best to go home and say, tomorrow is another day, so that they can look forward to tomorrow.
If the settling-in process still becomes very tearful, please do not put your child under pressure; after all, the settling-in process is a new phase of life for the child without their parents, which they first have to accept and understand. From my own experience, it can take weeks for children to get used to being in kindergarten without their parents.
Read also: Off to kindergarten: What must not be missing from the backpack
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
