Nursery/Kindergarten - The secret to a successful adaptation

Nursery/Kindergarten - The secret to a successful adaptation

A child who comes to the nursery for the first time feels alone, lost and helpless.

How can you help him?

For most children, going to a nursery or kindergarten is the first separation from their parents. They see it as confronting an unfamiliar space, in which parents leave it to strangers.

What does the period of adaptation of the child to the nursery or nursery look like?

- we prefer to use the term adaptation, and the question that arises is: Who has a harder time living that period? The parent or a child? It is difficult for everyone to fall apart: to the parent - if he or she has never separated from the child, to the child - because he or she feels anxious about the parent.

What should the adaptation for the kindergarten look like?

● The first arrival is purely “administrative” - the parent talks to the kindergarten director.

● On the second visit, there is a child with the parents - to see the place.

● The third arrival means that the child is only 10 minutes away. That short period is enough to realize that a parent always comes back for him.

● The fourth day - the child stays for a shorter time.

● On day five, the child stays for a bit longer.

● On day six, you can try with half-day stay.

● On the seventh day, the child stays all the time.

Today’s world forces the woman to return early from maternity leave, causing the children to enroll earlier in the day nursery. It is not uncommon for parents to increasingly choose an institution than a baby or grandmother. That is why we are increasingly encountering children aged three to twelve months. It should be known that the younger the child, the faster he adapts to a new space, new people, children, a new environment.

What are the "little secrets" to successfully adapting your child to a nursery?

- A few days earlier, explain to your child the reasons for his or her entering a new world. You go back to work, and in the meantime, it will have fun with the other kids. Of course, your child does not understand the literal meaning of the word, but he understands the context, he is sensitive to the encouraging messages you send him. It is also important that you listen to an educator who has more experience than you in this story. You also need to trust the institution you are leaving your child with. Every insecurity of yours, the child will feel.

Follow the toddler, stating that it is his first day and that he will spend it with his favorite toy (or a pacifier, or some item that has your scent). Leaving the place, kiss the child and say, "Bye," without rushing or procrastinating. The baby feels it all! It is especially important to leave without hesitation. An "extended" greeting will lead to anxiety in your child and, probably, tears. Assure him you will come for him.

How is it best for parents to respond to their child's cry?

- As hard as it is to be separated from your child, refrain. The first day at the nursery should be the beginning of a new experience. If he sees you crying, or feels sad, it will make him insecure.

Take care of him, but also of yourself: mentally prepare for this separation - which, after all, is brief, emphasized by our interviewee.

Why do some children react violently when their parents come after them on their return from work?

- It can be difficult for a parent to come to a nursery after a hard day's work, wanting to finally meet their child. It happens that when a child sees a parent, they start to "throw up" and cry, even though it has been quiet all day. Why? This, for us parents, has "preserved" anger and frustration. However, parents should be aware that such occurrences are normal during the encounter. Just as our day is sometimes difficult and sometimes easy, so is our child. It feels the need to vent, to release tension. So, it would be a good idea to take some time and spend it with your child - going to the store together, preparing a meal, preparing for a bath…

If you can, spend the whole afternoon with your child after his or her day in the nursery. Shorter nursery stays will help your child become accustomed to the new environment. Also, it is advisable to go to kindergarten regularly to avoid confusion and to get used to spending days without mom and dad.

You can start preparing your child for kindergarten a few weeks before departure. Adapt each conversation and preparation to your child's personality and age.

1. Show your child that you are proud of being big enough to go to a nursery and be there without you.

2. Positively show your child kindergarten. Tell him about kindergarten as an interesting and fun place to play, meet new friends. Tell him about the various activities he will be involved in. Talk positive and upbeat, but realistic! Read books about children attending kindergarten, talk about siblings, peers, who already attend kindergarten.

3. Bring your child to the nursery and show him or her place before it starts adjusting. Let her see the children play in it.

4. Teach your child self-reliance in feeding, dressing, maintaining hygiene and giving him the choice. Teach your child to choose between two toys to play with or two to wear.

5. Teach your child to collaborate, tidy up and share. Alternate in a game, waiting for your turn (eg, stacking cubes or puzzles). Do some work together.

6. If you don't have a solid structure and family schedule, start introducing the organization a little bit into your child's life: determine the time when he eats, when the story is read, when he plays, when he sleeps.

7. Allow your child to meet other children. Get him involved in the game and socialize with peers, organize play dates or regular visit to the local playground ...