Lockdown has presented us all with new challenges and experiences. However, for many pre-schoolers, along with its fun times it will have also have had its confusing moments too. Add to that the fact that the updates on the easing of restrictions are needing clarification with respect to nursery care, and it’s no surprise that we’re tearing our hair out.
Still, as small tweaks are being made by the government, taking small steps to help all children prepare for the ‘new normality’, whatever that may be and whenever, will help. And for pre-schoolers, there are some particularly useful ways that parents can start to do that at home even now.
What can you do to help prepare your youngster for nursery again?
Remind them what nursery is like… Start talking to them about nursery. Remind them of the things they did every day when they were going, the friends they played with, their teachers’ names and quirks. Start to re-familiarise them with the nursery environment and prepare their young minds for the change. For example, chat about what they’ll be doing at the same time of day when they’re back at nursery, e.g. milk breaks, outside play etc.
Start getting back to your old ‘routine’… Start getting up in the morning at the time you would if you were taking them to nursery. Or perhaps start doing other things you’ll be doing in the same order, such as choosing clothes, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. And encourage them to help you with this.
Understand and acknowledge your own feelings… It’s going to be as much a change and a wrench for you, the parent, as it is for your child. So acknowledge that, embrace it, and take a deep breath. In a chatty way, explain to your child that it’s ok to feel unsure, excited, or however they’re feeling. Help them to feel positive about themselves and their situation; praise is a wonderful giver.
Use food to ease the transition… We’ve already mentioned starting to have breakfast at what will become the normal time. But if your child has a packed lunch, it might be a good idea to start preparing those again now. If the weather is good, they can have their lunch as a picnic perhaps. But the idea is to get them used to the routine and familiar with their lunch box and drinks bottle once more.
Choose a new lunchbox online together… And the previous point brings us to our next idea. If finances allow, perhaps go online and pick out a new lunch box and water bottle together. Give them something to look forward to on their first day back… when it happens!
Get them talking about it too… Why not get your child explaining to their favourite doll or teddy what’s going to be happening soon? Perhaps get them explaining to their toy why they might be away during the day sometimes. Or get them talking through what they’re going to do at nursery together. It’ll give you a good idea of how well they’re assimilating the impending change and what their particular concerns are.
As always, our thoughts are just a few possible ideas and we’d love you to share your strategies with us too. So please, let us know what you’ve been doing to get your little one ready to go back… the more ideas more the merrier!