Can you believe it's almost time for your little one to start preschool? It probably feels like just yesterday they were learning how to crawl, and now they're ready to take on the world! But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let's talk about how we can prepare our kiddos for this new adventure. Starting preschool is a big step, not just for your child, but for you as well. It's natural to feel a little bit of anxiety about how your child will adapt to their new environment. But with some effort and guidance from us, they'll be well on their way to thriving in this new setting. In this article, we're going to break down some essential skills that your child will ideally have before starting preschool. Of course, every little one is different and on their own developmental path, but are things that are well worth aiming for and working on if possible. We'll also share some tips on how you can help your child develop these skills in a fun and engaging way.
Potty Training
One of the most important skills that your child should have by the time they start preschool is potty training. This isn't the most fun part of parenting, potty training can take time, it can be messy and depending on when you start and how well your child takes to it it can be stressful too. But watch Youtube videos and read books so you can get clued up on how to go about it, and aim to get this done and dusted before your child gets to preschool so they can use the toilet by themselves.
Self-Help Skills
Another important set of skills that your child should have by the time they start preschool are self-help skills, such as being able to put on and take off their own coat and shoes. Encourage your child to practice these skills at home each day, and make sure that their clothes and shoes you send them in are easy for them to manage independently.
Communication Skills
Good communication skills will make your preschoolers experience easier. Children's speech and communication does develop at different times, but by the time they turn three and are ready to attend preschool they will ideally be able to communicate well enough for others to understand them. If you feel like your child is struggling, it's worth getting in touch with your health visitor. They can refer them for speech and language therapy if they feel it's needed to give them a boost to catch up, or see if there are any underlying issues such as hearing.
Social Skills
It's important for preschoolers to have good social skills. Encourage your child to share, take turns, and play cooperatively with others. You can also help by arranging playdates with other children or taking your child to a local playgroup. This will give them the opportunity to practice their social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Independent Eating
Another important skill for your child to have before starting preschool is the ability to feed themselves. Unless your child has an issue that prevents them from doing so, by the time they reach preschool age they can feed themselves. Encourage your child to practice using a fork and spoon, and provide them with finger foods that they can easily pick up and eat. This skill will not only help your child during mealtimes at preschool but also help them become more self-sufficient at home.
Preparing your child for preschool can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By helping your child develop important skills such as potty training, self-help skills, communication skills, and social skills, you can help ensure that they have a positive and successful experience when they start preschool. With a little patience, practice, and encouragement, your child will be ready for this exciting new chapter in their life.
