Three Strategies to Help Your Kiddo Adjust to a Bellevue, WA Preschool

Adjusting to something new is not often easy. Even when it’s something you’ve been looking forward to for a long time (like moving into your dream home), it can be stressful. Getting comfortable in that new environment can take some time, and the same holds true for your little one and a new Bellevue, WA preschool he or she is about to attend.

No parent wants to send their very young child off to the care of a stranger without offering support, encouragement, and love. You want to help them cope with this change, adjust to the learning environment, and build confidence through every step of their day.

There are some great strategies you may wish to consider when it comes time for a Bellevue, WA preschool (like KLA Schools of Bellevue) your young son or daughter will be attending.

 

Strategy 1: Talk about this transition … often.

Most young children won’t understand what it means to be sent off to a preschool in Bellevue, WA, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the topic. In fact, the more you discuss this change in their life, the more likely they will begin to understand it.

While you explain what they will be doing (attending a Bellevue, WA preschool), also explain how they will be making new friends. Children love making new friends. Just about everywhere they go they find new friends to play with.

While preschool in Bellevue, WA isn’t all about playtime (at least it shouldn’t be), this is something kids of all ages love, and it’s a good grounding point for them. Remember, they are going to be stressed and fearful the first time they head off to preschool in Bellevue, WA, so begin talking about it early, and let them ask questions freely.

The younger your child, the less likely they will have any real questions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help prepare them for this new aspect of life coming their way.

 

Strategy 2: Learn to listen to what they say.

Hey, it’s easy to get a little distracted and forget how important listening is as a communication tool. However, this is one of the most vital components of communication, regardless of age.

It’s easy for parents to overlook the importance of listening to their children, especially when they are two, three, or even four years old. You work hard all day, you cook, you clean, you take care of runny noses and cranky attitudes, and the last thing you want is to listening to them talking or babbling on when you’re in a hurry to get ready for bed.

Yet, even though their rambling or nonsensical questions are difficult to follow, pay attention. This is going to lay the groundwork for a healthier relationship between you two as he or she grows up.

Your kiddo may not know much about the world or the things in the world, but he or she certainly has questions, and opinions. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but the moment you listen, you are setting up a stronger, healthier relationship between the two of you for life.

When you take the time to listen, you’ll also get a better sense of how your child sees the world around him or her, how they interpret what you say, and how well they process information. This could be incredibly beneficial when they begin at a Bellevue, WA preschool like KLA Schools of Bellevue.

 

Strategy 3: Practice spending time apart.

Separation anxiety is a very real and sometimes serious emotional strain on young children. Whether or not your little one has already been apart from you consistently (such as spending time with grandma and poppy, etc.), going off to preschool is different.

Begin the process of ‘practicing’ attending preschool in Bellevue, WA as early as you can. You can do this with the help of friends, neighbors, and even family (but if your kiddo has been spending most days with your folks (or your in laws), try to turn to someone your little one hasn’t spent much time with (without you there).

If your child does have separation anxiety, begin by ‘dropping’ him or her off for a couple of minutes, then return. Then a few more minutes, then return.

Work to a longer length of time, from 5 minutes to 10 to 20 to 30 to one hour, and so on. The key to helping your child cope with this new reality is that they know you’re coming back.

This way, when you first drop them off at the Bellevue, WA preschool you’ve chosen for them, they will know it’s temporary, no matter how overwhelming or frightening it may seem at first.

Related Links:

https://www.klaschoolsbellevue.com/holiday-books-for-children/

https://www.klaschoolsbellevue.com/reggio-emilia-examples-in-the-classroom/