OT: HELP! Clingy almost-4 yr old DD to start preschool in fall....

[tink98]

I think the important elements to a successful drop-off are:
1. A consistent routine: Do the same actions, say the same words every day
2. A reminder that you will come back: Talk about what will happen tonight once they're home
3. Be loving, but firm
4. Don't let them see your own emotional struggle with it. The more confident you are about it, the more at ease they will be.

I am a preschool teacher and the above poster is right!!!! Yes sometimes the child will cry and it oftern ends quickly after the parent leaves. The tips from the above poster work. Your children can read your emotions and can sense your discomfort. Have that special goodbye (a kiss in the hand to hold onto all day-Read Audrey Penns book- The Kissing Hand with your child) or your own special something. I always tell my moms/dads to please feel free to call and speak with the director as soon as they get home (or to the car!). The director can then peak into the room to check on their child. We are a very family friendly preschool and I think finding that type of setting is very important. Hopefully your new school will offer something similar.

While it is ok to get together with other children from the class before school starts, most parents do not realize that their children will play with other children in school when they are developmentally ready. Depending on the age of the child they may play side by side (parallel play) without talking to anyone. Eventually they will begin to feel comfortable talking to and taking turns with other children. It is the job of the teacher to facilitate the play and help ease the children into these situations. I can tell you from my experience (as a mom too) that often we push our children to play/share when they are not ready just because we see that other children do so.

To add to what the above poster wrote, when you pick up your child make sure that you spend a few minutes talking about her day, look at the bulletin board for new work posted. Say "tell me about your day.." as you walk out of the building.

Good Luck, this really is an exciting time for both of you!

 

[4chitlins]

Here are my 2 cents. My DD freaked out when I left her in Kindergarten.Screaming and begging me to take her home.Took 2 teachers to physically pry her off of me. She came home with scratches on her from them pulling her off.It was the WORST moment of my life. When I got home there was a message from the teacher saying that she was fine and had settled down shortly after I left. As the days went on my daughter decided it was easier for her if I left her at the door and didn't come into the school, so that is what we did for a few months and then she was fine. I have to tell you that those first days are something I will never forget as long as I live.Fortunately the rest of my kids have never done that.Best of luck to you and remember that it will be ok in the end.