Our Top 10 Tips for the First Day of Preschool

And just like that, the first day of preschool is upon you. We’ll give you our top tips for preparing for and navigating the big day. Read on.

The first day of preschool?!

The feeling that someone may be manipulating the hourglass is common among mamas.

Seriously?!

Weren’t they tiny babes in your arms just yesterday?

We hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but you may just be finding yourself shopping for prom outfits before you can blink your eyes.

But for now, let’s stay in this exciting moment.

So get the cameras and the kleenex ready.

We’ll give you our top tips to help you prepare for the big day.

(Psst. This time can be full of big emotions. Your Peanut community is here for you.)

In this article: 📝

What should a 3-year-old know for preschool?

First up, let’s take the pressure out of this. Kids are unique, and all develop at different times.

With that in mind, here are some things you can practice with your little one to prep for this new chapter in their lives.

According to the CDC, development milestones for toddlers aged two to three include:

• Being able to follow two- or three-step directions, like sit down, wave, and say hello
  
• Sort objects by shape and color
  
• Imitate the actions of others
  
• Express a bunch of emotions

And exposing them to books and songs is always a great idea.

When they hit preschool, they’ll start playing with other children.

They’ll also master new skills like dressing themselves and using safety scissors, and remembering parts of stories they hear during their day.

(With any luck, they’ll recount them in entertaining detail.)

It’s also worth exploring different types of preschool, too.

Outdoor preschools, like the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network’s #GetKidsOutside campaign, are growing in popularity.

Outdoor preschool can help build stress management and social skills from a young age, and (best of all) encourage a sound night’s sleep!

How do you start the first day of preschool?

Okay, the first thing you need to prepare is yourself.

There may indeed be tears coming from adult eyes on this day.

Do what you need to do to cope with this momentous event — before it comes and on the morning of.
Waking up early to do some relaxing breathing exercises or journalling can help.

Of course, showing your emotions is 100% OK — just keep things positive, so your little one doesn’t start to dread the big task ahead.

If you seem hesitant and unsure, they’ll likely pick up on that.

If they’ve already got used to daycare or being with a caregiver, saying goodbye may not be as tricky.

But you just never know how it will feel at the time.

Then, here are our top tips for getting them prepped for the day ahead.

How do I prepare my 3-year-old for preschool?

1. Imagine it from their perspective.

It may be difficult to see your little one out of sorts as they adapt to this new chapter in their life. So it can help to consider how the world must look through those little eyes.

Some kids may experience very real separation anxiety that can make this experience particularly challenging for them.

And even if this isn’t the case for your little one, tears are totally normal.

This is a serious change!

But they will get used to it. It’s just about making the first step.

2. Practice the morning routine ahead of time

A few days before the big day, set up a morning routine — breakfast, teeth brushing, bag packing, going for a walk or drive.

The more familiar this is, the more settled they’ll feel when you add the next piece of the puzzle — going to school.

3. Make the prep work fun

Take them with you when you go shopping for a lunch box or backpack.

Get them involved when you pack their lunch.

Ask them to pick out their outfit for the big day.

Set up the idea that school is something to look forward to that will be exciting and fun rather than something to be feared.

4. Prepare them for the school day schedule

Ask the teacher ahead of time what time naps and playtimes are.

Getting onto this schedule in the weeks before they go to school will mean that it won’t feel unfamiliar when the time arrives.

The more you can do to ease them into the transition, the better.

5. Talk them through what to expect

The night before, tell them stories about what they can expect from the first day, the friends they will meet, and the fun they’ll have.

If you’ve been able to meet the teachers or any of their classmates ahead of time, remind them of the wonderful people they’re about to spend time with.

(Just don’t start too early with the anticipation-building as this can leave them feeling that this whole “school” thing is a big unknown that they might need to worry about.)

6. Send them with a comforting object

Having something that reminds them of you and home will reassure them that they can have fun now and that you will return later.

A family photo is a good idea.

7. Prepare yourself for the big goodbye

Some kids will be itching to dive into the world of new friends and play.

Others will be a little skeptical of the whole operation.

And yet others will have a full-on meltdown.

However they respond is legitimate.
Your job is to acknowledge their feelings and then help them feel safe in this new environment.

8. Help them settle in

When you get to the class, take them to see the teacher.

Preschool teachers are remarkably good at helping little ones feel settled.

Then show them all the new friends they are about to play with!

Find kids who are engaged in an activity and see if you can introduce yourselves to them and their parents.

And a serious plus point?

You’re about to meet a bunch of parents that are all going through the same thing as you.

That can be pretty reassuring.

9. Make sure you say goodbye

It’s really important that you have your goodbye and don’t disappear when they’re distracted.

This will set up the expectation that school is a place that they go without you — but that you’ll always say goodbye and always come back.

10. Leave without them

Okay, this one’s a particular challenge. Even if they are crying their little hearts out, give them the chance to get used to the experience.

Reassure them that you’ll be back to pick them up soon.

We know — this transition is a BIG deal.

And it can take some time to get used to.

If you need support, our Mom groups can really help.

We get it.

And we’re here for you.