Childcare
5 Ways to Prepare Your Kid for Childcare
by Business Listings EditorPhoto Credit: ©iStock.com
Now that we’ve chosen the best child care centre for our kids, the next question is, how can we prepare our little ones for this next milestone in their young lives?
So here are 5 ways we can do to help them prepare to be on their own, at least for a few hours each day, at the child care centre.
Photo Credit: ©iStock.com
1. Arrange play dates and other social activities for your kid
If your pre-school kid is not yet used to being with other kids his age, then make sure to arrange plenty of play dates, social or sports activities beforehand. The earlier he learns how to take turns, share toys, and play nice with the other kids, the better he would do well in the child care centre.
Photo Credit: ©iStock.com
2. Talk to him/her about going to the child care centre to be with other kids
If your child is already 3 years and above, make sure to talk to him about going to school in concrete terms like – he is going to a child care centre, that he will play and learn with other kids, that he will be with this teacher, and etc.
Of course, it will help if you can bring him for a visit at the centre first, preferably when the teacher and other kids are there, so that he may be able to visualize what you’re saying.
3. Find time to do a read-along with him about stories that illustrate about being in school, playing and learning with other kids.
One way for your kid to understand where’s going and what to expect is to read him stories about going to school. Moreover, read-along activities with your kid, especially during bedtime, will help develop his love of reading at an early age.
Some recommended titles include ‘I Am Too Absolutely Small for School (Charlie and Lola’ by Lauren Child, ‘It's Time for School with Tallulah’ by Nancy Wolff, ‘Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten’ by Joseph Slate, and ‘Eliza's Kindergarten Surprise’ by Alice B. McGinty.
4. Create special parting and greeting rituals to give him a sense of security
It is natural for your little one to feel anxious especially during the first few days of school. He may worry that he won’t see you again when you leave.
Make a fun yet simple goodbye and hello ritual that your kid can easily understand and follow, such as “see you later alligator” , or “be back soon, long before the moon!” or even just a simple high-five or a special handshake that you two could make up.
The important thing is for him to see that you are calm, so that he won’t get too anxious also. Say or do your goodbye ritual, but don’t drag it out. Don’t ever leave without saying you have to leave to go to work, and when you fetch him up, don’t underestimate the power of doing the hello ritual, even just to say “I’m back before the moon!” or that special handshake that you do.
5. Don’t forget to give him familiar or comfort items from home
A favourite stuffed toy, a blankie, or a pillow are some of the things that you could put in your child’s school bag. Little connections like these to home can help to ease his separation anxiety for being in an unfamiliar place and with lots of new faces.
In some instances, a picture or a piece of clothing of family members can help to calm the child.
Child care Checklist
Things to bring:
- Pillow and blankets for naptime
- Extra pants and shirts, diapers if needed.
- Familiar or comfort object such as a stuffed toy or picture of family members
- Medicines or vitamins if needed
Browse through Business Directory for a list of childcare centers in Singapore.