Starting new children in the school always triggers a  teacher discussion about how to support preschool success for children. There are so many things we, as teachers,  can do- create a healthy separation, create strong bonds with children, support engaged play, promote friendships, teach conflict resolution and problem solving skills, foster curiosity, etc. etc.

On the parent side, there are some important things you can do as well to help your child enjoy his or her preschool day. A few are very basic.

1. Help your child have a good night’s sleep and a nap during the day if they need it. This is essential. Many parents have found that if they start a couple of weeks before school, they can help children to go to bed a little earlier each night until they are able to get a long night’s sleep and wake up rested.
2. Feed your child a healthy, substantial breakfast. If your child is not a great eater, think outside the box. What do they like during the rest of the day? Can it be incorporated into the meal or adapted for breakfast use? If you want to change your child’s eating habits, do so one item at a time. For example, if they are eating a “sugar” cereal now, the next time you are at the market, have them help you pick out a more healthy choice. Perhaps add fruit for a little sweetener. Another idea is to shift from white flour products to whole and mulitgrains, i.e. Cheerios has a multigrain. Protein is important as it gives children staying power.
3. Develop morning routines. Getting out the door is easier and calmer if you have a few simple routines. Create an order to the necessary activities, i.e. brushing teeth, combing hair, getting dressed, breakfast, etc. Arrange a regular place for the child’s school items (lunchbox, sweater, transitional object) to go. This is great routine as it will carry you over to elementary school when homework begins. We sing songs that help children as they get ready or clean up.
4. Arrive on time. All children fare better when they enter the classroom as it is just getting going. It makes it easier to join a group of friends or invite some one to play. When children arrive late, the first social groupings have occurred and it is harder to break in to the group. The “already playing” children aren’t being exclusive, they are just underway with friends and they aren’t very skillful at reforming their group or starting the play again. Also, kids wait for their friends and are stalled until the friend arrives.In our school, arrival is at 8:45 am.
5. Send children in  clothes and other items that promote self help and safety. I was thrilled when they invented velcro shoes because it allows children to help themselves. High tops and  buckles are frustrating; clogs, flip flops, boots and sandals aren’t safe. Elastic pants and easy on shirts making changing a breeze. In these warm summer months, that happens a lot.
6. Don’t worry; be happy. Your attitude means a lot to your child. Enter the classroom relaxed and interested in what is going on. You don’t need to be a cheer leader or a player; in fact that takes away from the teacher’s ability to bond with your child because there is no room for them in the equation. But if your attitude sends the message that you think they will enjoy the school and have a good time, they will often feel that way as well.
7. And now, I have saved the best for last. Do things that support a happy, healthy marriage. The best thing you can do for your child’s emotional and social growth and development of  is to have a happy, healthy marriage. Spend time together, arrange date nights, talk about something other than the kids, go to the movies, get together with friends. Even if it is an hour every other day for a walk and a cup of tea, do it.  Invest in your marriage.

Hopefully, these ideas will help you and your child enjoy and benefit from preschool. It is a great time; enjoy it.