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Will this be your little one’s first year of preschool? The start of the school year in September is rapidly approaching, and you may be wondering if you’re really ready for this exciting milestone. Your preschooler is almost certainly ready, but it’s mom and dad who may be wishing they had more time to prepare!
When my son TJ started preschool back in 2008, he was so excited. He couldn’t wait to meet his teachers and his classmates! The great thing for kids about starting preschool is that they have very few expectations, and little is expected of them other than the ability to listen, use the potty, and not hurt other children. Depending on the nursery school you choose, the teachers and staff may even help new students in the 3-year-old class use the bathroom, or your child may be expected to use the toilet independently.
I remember worrying that TJ might be behind on his social skills because he’s an only child who never went to daycare because we’re lucky enough to have a grandma in town who could babysit him while we work. And sure, there were a lot of kids who seemed to be already acclimated from having been to daycare, but there were just as many who were just like TJ. And you know what? After a few months, everything seemed to even out a bit as the kids got used to the idea of being in the classroom.
As a parent, the best thing you can do to prepare for preschool is to take a deep breath – or 20 – and remember that preschool is there to help prepare your child for being out in the world. The teachers know that each incoming class is full of kids from a variety of families, cultures, and living situations, and they are prepared to help each individual student become comfortable with being a part of the group.
The one thing you can never quite prepare yourself for, though, is when your child gives you a quick hug at the door on the first day, then runs off to play without looking back at you!
That’s me: Christina Gleason. I’m a writer, editor, and disability advocate. I'm a multiply disabled autistic lady doing my best in this world built for abled people. I’m a geek for grammar, fantasy, and casual gaming. I hate vegetables. I cannot reliably speak, so I’ll happily conduct business over email or messaging instead.
