I think most parents will agree that your child’s first day at nursery is a significant event in both yours and your children’s lives their lives and can be a daunting transition for both parent and child. Children will need to adjust to a new school routine, unfamiliar surroundings and essentially learn how to be more independent.

Although it may seem scary at first thought, Nursery is a fantastic way to prepare your child for school and get them used to mixing with other kids in a safe, learning environment and should be seen as a positive event! A Private Nursery in Taunton has pulled together the following three tips to help prepare your child for their first day.

Speak openly about it

Help your child prepare by discussing their first day with them and what they should expect, use only positive language and encourage them to share how they are feeling about it too. The more you discuss it with them and mention it in front of them the more comfortable they will become with the idea. Make it a positive conversation, talk about all the fun things they’ll be doing at nursery and try your best to get them excited about the idea.

Encourage independence

Although it seems simple, allowing your child to make small decisions at home will encourage independent thinking and problem solving, both skills they will need to utilise when they start nursery and have to spend time without you by their side. Start to introduce activities and tasks that your children should be able to complete without your assistance. Maybe start with something simple like colouring or making something then leave them to it whilst you get on with something else. Confidence in their own creativity and independence will allow your child to flourish in a nursery environment and will prepare them to spend time without your undivided attention.

Put them in social situations

Do you have any friends or family members with children of a similar age? Set up some playdates to help your child develop their social skills and confidence within small groups. Think about local activity centres or play centres that you could trial in the lead up to their first day at Nursery. This will reduce the risks of them feeling too shy to make friends when they start and will set them up with the skills they need!

B xx

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post