Be excited about your child starting preschool and make a big deal about what he will do and what he will learn. Children will mimic their parents' enthusiasm and anticipate starting this new stage of life. Plan a shopping day and allow your child to select a new backpack, lunch bag, raincoat and school clothes. Allow your child to help pick out an outfit to wear on the first day of preschool to feel in control entering preschool.
Minimize separation anxiety by setting up morning play dates with friends or family members, before the preschool years, to help your child adjust to being away from you and home for extended hours. Children who have never attended daycare or been away from a parent for extended times will benefit from this and have a smoother transition to preschool.
Call the preschool ahead of time and ask for specifics on what a typical day will be like for your child. Go over these activities with your child and even recreate at home the upcoming preschool routine. Children will be less scared when they have an idea of what to expect. Adjust your child's bedtime and wake-up time accordingly, several months before starting preschool, to fit with the new school schedule. This will help ensure your child is rested and ready for the day.
Take a tour of the preschool with your child before the school year starts and visit his teacher, his classroom, the eating areas, the playground and the bathrooms to familiarize your child with the facility. Encourage your child to look around and ask questions to help relieve his fears and uncertainty.
Create a goodbye routine and stick with it to avoid a drawn-out and difficult parting. Walk your child to his classroom each morning and have a brief goodbye consisting of a hug, kiss and positive words of encouragement. Refrain from lingering, coddling or expressing sad emotions so that you do not upset your child. Instead remain positive and upbeat before leaving.