Talk about nursery positively but realistically. Be enthusiastic when talking about nursery, but don’t make it out to be Disneyland, you don’t want the first day of nursery to be a major anticlimax. This is a huge transition for your child and a positive outlook and attitude towards the setting should help them settle well into the routine.
Be prepared for every sort of emotional reaction from your child on those first few sessions – there may be tears, over excitement, shyness, giddiness, irritability, you name it, each child deals with change differently and while there may be no tears only excitement on the first morning don’t be alarmed if there are tears the next – this is not a sign that they had a bad experience, it is just their little way of dealing with change/stress/tiredness etc. This is perfectly normal and should be expected. Children see their parents or primary care givers as their safe haven, where they know the routine, what to expect, etc. So venturing into the unknown without their parents or carers can be frightening but is usually overcome quite quickly. Talk to your child about how they feel, encourage them to describe their feelings about starting nursery. Read some books about starting nursery together. Calderdale Libraries has fantastic resources and sessions for under 5’s.
This is your child’s big day, not yours (although it is a major milestone for every parent), do your best to keep your emotions in check until you get back into your car/home after dropping them off on the first session. You can cry your eyes out once you’re out of view. We all know how easily children pick up on our emotions, this is one day that it is very important that they are protected from your anxiety.
Let go! Trust the staff. Trust your child. Encourage your child to be independent. After the first day or two, stand back and let them go find their friends by themselves. They will be ok. Say goodbye happily, wave and walk away.
Arrival and Collection Time: Be punctual, this is a very good life skill to instill in your child from an early age. Arrive on time to pick your child up. Ensure that they know who their designated “pick up” person is so not to cause disappointment or undue upset. Parents and caregivers,do not be late for pick up, children become anxious very quickly if there isn’t someone there to collect them, even if it is only 5 minutes later than home time.
Talk, talk, talk. On collection talk to your child about their day. Encourage them to describe the events. Help them to develop their vocabulary by involving them in meaningful conversation. Eat dinner together if possible and use it as an opportunity to discuss everything and anything! You could always do the same at bedtime rather than the usual bedtime story.
Socialise with your child. Attending playgroups or spending time with other children encourages your child to play with other children, share toys and interact with others which are all essential social skills for them to develop.
Read with your child. This develops listening and understanding skills such as maintaining attention for a short while, following instructions and supports children with their literacy development.
Encourage your child to be independent. Washing their hands after going to the toilet, eating independently, putting their own coat or shoes on. It all encourages independence and a sense of self, all important for their preparation for starting ‘big’ school.
Be prepared – wellies, waterproofs, change of clothes, packed lunches, hats, gloves, scarves, suncream……..the list is endless. Please ensure your child comes to nursery with everything they need. The Great British weather changes without warning sometimes and we like the children to be outside regardless of the weather. Ensure your child’s bag is full of everything they may need.
