Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

Preschool is a place of wonderment and joy to so many three to five year old children.

As a teacher and a mother, I have had the opportunity to see so many young faces entering the wonderful world of Preschool! One of the things you might hear your child say often as a three-year-old, especially if they have older siblings, is "Mommy, when can I go to Big School?"

Starting Preschool is a momentous occasion! As children reach that third birthday, they begin to enter a new stage of their lives. They're no longer toddlers, and are considered "Big Kids"! This new stage of life brings monumental changes - potty training, more independence, and mental growth to name a few.

By the time a child has finished his third year of life, the brain has developed to nearly 80% of its adult capacity. That's a LOT of brain development. As parents, we can make our children's next stage of life a little easier by preparing them with a strong foundation.

Children who are most prepared for Preschool have parents who do these five things:

1. READ

The best way to nurture your child's brain and growth is through READING! From the womb, parents should take the time to read to their child. Not only is literary awareness important (Letter recognition comes from this!), but hearing all of the different words, tone, inflections, and more develop language skills. Books, magazines, billboard signs -- opportunities to read to your child are everywhere.

2. TALK

It's no wonder why we gush at a baby's first words. It's a HUGE milestone, and one that we anticipate for months after birth (Mama? Dada?). But we should encourage conversation long before, and long after, that moment. Any chance you get, talk to your baby. You can explain what you are doing during a diaper change, talk about your day, explain the process of creating your sandwich -- they don't care WHAT you say, they're intrigued by the sound of your voice! And as your child grows older, don't stop. Encourage back and forth conversations. Language skills are so important in life. Language the base of social growth.

3. PLAY

This seems like an easy one, right? Just PLAY! Play with your child, but also allow her the independence to play alone. Play with other children, play with the dog, just PLAY! Encourage your child to play with toys that invoke imagination. Encourage creativity, taking turns, and independence. Children learn through play, and this is possibly one of the most important steps you can take in preparing your child for a Preschool classroom.

4. Encourage Independence

It's hard to believe your little helpless baby has grown and developed into such a spunky three-year-old! Sometimes it is difficult to imagine that your child could possibly put her own shoes on without help, but TRUST ME -- she can do it! Allow your child the independence to try new things. You'll be amazed how quickly she starts doing it herself. Prepare yourself for this -- it is harder as a parent to let a child do something on her own than you'd imagine. Give yourself extra time before leaving the house to allow her the opportunity to be independent. Support your child in taking care of her own bathroom needs. If she asks help with her pants, or with wiping, try talking her through it rather than doing it all for her. Teach her to wash her own hands and flush the toilet. It’s not glamorous, but these are important skills in preschool A child who relies on an adult to do everything for them has a hard time adjusting to the independence required in preschool. They lack the confidence to TRY. Give your child the gift of that confidence.

5. PRACTICE

This might be the most important thing you can do for your child. Practice, practice, practice! A child who is accustomed to spending time with another caregiver has an easier time being in a preschool classroom than one who has never had any time away from mom or dad. Talk to your child about what to expect at school. Help them to understand that you will ALWAYS come back for them. Enroll in a "Mom's night out" event for practice, or visit Gramma and Grandpa for a day. Give your child some space and encourage this independence. It is harder on you than on them!

If you can encourage these five practices in your daily life, your child will be ready for Preschool in no time! Take a step back and prepare for one of the most wonderful journeys of your "big kid's" life!