HOW TO SETTLE LITTLE ONES AT NURSERY SCHOOL
By Claire Marketos
Starting nursery school can be daunting for a young child. Be patient and gentle with them as they adjust.
Settling down is dependent on whether the child is emotionally ready for nursery school, their temperament, how anxious mom is, and how sensitive the staff are at acknowledging his feelings and making him feel secure. Caring staff can settle a child fairly quickly.
Be positive when you drop her off. Talk about all the interesting things you can see. Chat to her peers, and encourage her to play with them. Read her a story. Tell her you are going to work, but will never leave her and that you will be back later to fetch her. A kiss and a hug goodbye and hand her over to a caregiver you know is kind. If you stay after saying goodbye you will prolong the anxiety of you leaving. Phone later to reassure yourself if necessary.
When you collect him be on time and talk about the fun things he did. If he says he missed you, reassure him by saying, "I know it's hard when mom has to go to work, but look mom is here now. I came back to fetch you." The next morning talk about activities he can look forward to during his day. Acknowledge his feelings, and reassure him that he will be ok.
School should be a positive happy place children can go to. If your child does not settle over time, he may not be ready for school or his needs are not being met. He should never be forced to go to school if he is not happy. Wait another six months, and try again, or move him to another school.