Preschool: 4 mistakes to avoid to prepare your child properly

Introduction

So what are the 4 mistakes to avoid when preparing your child for preschool?

Looking after a child is a full-time job. After two years of logistically complicated days and nights resembling a wheelbarrow ride across a field of pebbles, the time has finally come! Kindergarten.

Well... not quite. There's still one or two years to go before you start shedding tears at the school gate, watching your child scream your name, arms outstretched towards you, as the kindergarten assistant carries him to his classroom.

But then, why not go back to the usual infernal schedule? Or sneak the little monster through grandma's door, diaper soaked and hair on fire? I'm not even talking about "Boubafluff", the alien comforter that stands up on its own thanks to dried cookie fibers and solidified slime.

In fact, it's high time to get ready. At least, to prepare your child, and while we're at it, we might as well make sure that the little Einstein or Marilyn vos Savant in him or her is ready. Here are 4 mistakes to avoid when preparing your child for preschool.

1. Do nothing at all

And what if doing nothing wasn't the answer? Letting things happen without any preparation is a recipe for chaos. Imagine sending an astronaut into space without training, or a chef cooking without ingredients. Or worse still, imagine yourself at a dance class without ever having set foot on a dance floor - hello stubbed toes and failed dance steps!

Even assembling an IKEA piece of furniture without the instruction manual can be a wild adventure. You thought it would take 20 minutes? Two hours later, you're still there, surrounded by excess screws and poorly assembled boards. Preschool is an important stage that requires a minimum of preparation to ensure your child is ready to face this new world of discovery and learning.

Let's move on to the 2nd of the 4 mistakes to avoid when preparing your child for preschool.

2. Not taking advantage of a structured approach to learning

The second mistake would be not to take advantage of an appropriate learning structure and leave the choice to chance. Preschool should be a period of organized discovery, where children explore at their own pace, but with a framework and reference points.

Play and Grow Together offers an ideal solution for structuring toddler learning. With interactive modules and planned activities, the platform enables parents to track their children's progress and ensure that they develop essential skills in a progressive and consistent way. Each module is designed to stimulate curiosity and the desire to learn, while offering tracking tools to measure progress.

For example, our "Animal Adventures" module features activities where children learn animal sounds while coloring and singing fun songs. Or the "Little Chefs" activity where children can help prepare simple, delicious recipes, developing their motor skills and understanding of measurements.

3. Believing that everything happens naturally

The third mistake is to believe that everything happens naturally. I invite you to read "Le cerveau de bébé et ses 1000 premiers jours" by Brigitte Chabrol.

Of course, children are sponges, but providing them with enriching learning opportunities is crucial. Stimulating them with educational games, books, artistic activities and social interaction promotes their cognitive and social development. A rich and varied environment encourages their curiosity and desire to learn.

Why not organize a treasure hunt in the garden? Hide colorful objects and give your child a small map to find them. This will develop their sense of direction and their powers of observation, while having fun at the same time. Or build a fortress with cushions and blankets, then read adventure stories inside - a perfect way to stimulate their imagination.

Finally, the last of the 4 mistakes to avoid when preparing your child for preschool...

4. Fast forward

The last mistake to avoid in preparing your child for preschool is rushing things. Every child develops at his or her own pace, and it's important to respect that. Pushing a child to learn too quickly can lead to stress and frustration.

Imagine teaching your child to ride a bike without the training wheels on the very first attempt. The result? Skinned knees and crocodile tears. Or try getting him to read "War and Peace" when he's just mastered "The Cat in the Hat". You'll end up with a lovely book that serves as a wedge for the wobbly living-room table.

It's essential to give them time to adapt, understand and master each step before moving on to the next. This ensures solid, lasting learning.

The importance of the link with parents or guardians

Preparing a child for preschool is not just a question of developing skills. It's also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond between child and parent or guardian. Taking an active part in your child's educational activities creates moments of complicity and sharing that are priceless. Whether it's dad, mom or even grandma 🤪, the involvement of loved ones in the learning process plays a crucial role.

These shared moments help create a sense of security and support for the child, giving him confidence in himself and his abilities. What's more, seeing your child's progress and achievements up close is incredibly gratifying and strengthens your relationship.

Conclusion

Preparing your child for preschool doesn't have to be stressful. By avoiding these four common mistakes and actively involving parents or guardians, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding transition for your little one. After all, the goal is to see your child grow and flourish in an educational environment that nurtures their natural curiosity and thirst for discovery. Take the time to plan, structure and monitor their progress to give them the best possible start. You'll see, kindergarten isn't so scary when you're well prepared!

For more resources and tips on preschool preparation, please visit Play and Grow Together.