While attending preschool in Maplewood NJ is exciting for your child, there will be a time of adjustment for both of you, especially if this is the first time your child has been away from you. There are some things you can do to make this adjustment period easier for your child.
First of all, talk to your child and ask how he feels about attending preschool in Maplewood NJ. Is he happy, sad, excited, anxious or scared? These are all normal feelings for a child when facing a new challenge such as attending preschool. When you talk to you child and let him express his feelings, this will help him deal with these emotions. Just as you would feel nervous about starting a new job or attending college, your child feels the same way. He may not yet have learned how to deal with these emotions.
Let your child know that it is okay to be anxious or nervous and express to him that these feelings will go away once he gets used to attending preschool. Talk about the positive aspects such as how he will meet new friends and have new learning experiences. If he has a friend who is attending preschool, tell him about it and how much his friend is enjoying preschool.
Your child has a need to feel safe and secure. He may be feeling some separation anxiety about being away from you, especially if you and your child have not spent much time apart. Let him know that even though he will be away at preschool, you will always be there when he comes back home. As time passes and he finds out you are there when he returns, the anxiety he is feeling will start to go away.
You may also have some mixed feelings about your child attending preschool. This is also natural. It is part of your child leaving the baby stage and starting to grow up. He is no longer as dependent on you for everything and is starting to discover the world on his own. Remember that this is a positive experience and part of your child becoming a well-adjusted and independent person. He will always needs you, just maybe not quite so much now.
It may help to let your child go with you and take a tour before he starts attending class. Chances are that once he sees how much the other children enjoy being there, he will be excited about the aspect of beginning preschool. Talk to the staff about any particular fears or questions you may have. They will be glad to answer any questions and help you feel more comfortable about your child beginning preschool.
It will take a period of adjustment for both you and your child when he begins a Maplewood NJ preschool program. Before you know it, your child will come home with exciting stories about his adventures at daycare. Alpine Montessori of Millburn! Child Care has before and after-school programs for children ages infant through twelve years of age. The center offers free registration, full-time and part-time programs, extended hours, catered USDA approved meals, kindergarten readiness programs and Internet camera viewing capabilities. With so many great benefits and four locations to serve your child care needs in Fairfax, Chantilly, White Oaks and Crystal City; you are sure to find a program that is just right for your child. For more information about enrolling, you can visit the Alpine Montessori of Millburn.