You have researched the best private schools in Los Angeles and narrowed them down to your top choice. You have enrolled and done everything you needed to get your child off on the right foot. However, here come the tears and something you may not have expected.
Do you have a preschooler causing you to dread drop-off time? Crying is common for preschoolers between the ages of three and four. To help make the transition easier for mom and child, here are a few tips on avoiding tears at preschool drop-off.
Eliminate Surprises
Preparing your child for drop-off is one of the best ways to avoid tears. When they feel prepared, they tend to be more relaxed. Let them know when it is time to go to preschool, and let them know as you pull up to the school. As you walk toward their classroom, let them know you will give them a hug and kiss before they go into the room to play with their new friends.
Maintain a Schedule
Schedules are always good for kids, especially when they start attending the best private schools in Los Angeles. So, when picking up and dropping off your preschooler, try to be as consistent as possible. When you can stick to a schedule, your child will feel more comfortable, and it also helps to build trust between the child and the parent.
Don’t Run Away
If your child starts interacting with their teacher or other children in the class, you may want to slink away before they notice. However, experts feel that this is the wrong thing to do. Instead, engage with your preschooler and let them know you are leaving. You don’t want to break any trust you have been able to build up. Say goodbye to them and try not to linger.
End the Day Positively
Positive reinforcement can definitely go a long way. When you pick up your child from preschool, ask about their day and what kind of challenges they may have faced. Congratulate them on how they handled things, and end the day on a good note. This will make it easier to drop them off the next day.
As you can see, drop-off can be hard, even if your child is attending one of the best private schools in Los Angeles. Instead of making it a stressful and overwhelming part of the day, make it a positive part of your routine. If you follow these tips and your child still has problems at drop-off, you may want to discuss the matter with their teacher.