Preschool: 4 mistakes to avoid to prepare your child well

Introduction

So, what are the 4 mistakes to avoid to prepare your child well for preschool?

Taking care of 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 moment has finally arrived! Kindergarten.

Well... not quite. There are still one to two years left before you shed tears in front of the school gate, watching your child scream your name, arms outstretched towards you, while the kindergarten assistant carries them to their class.

But then, why not go back to the usual infernal schedule? Or sneakily drop the little monster off at grandma's door, diaper soaked and hair sticking up? I'm not even talking about "Boubafluff," the alien teddy bear that stands on its own thanks to fibers of dry cookies and solidified drool.

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

1. Doing absolutely nothing

What if doing nothing wasn't the solution? Letting things unfold without any preparation is a recipe for chaos. Imagine sending an astronaut into space without training, or a chef without ingredients. Or even worse, imagine yourself in a dance class without ever having set foot on a dance floor - hello crushed toes and missed dance steps!

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

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

2. Not taking advantage of a structured approach to learning

The second mistake would be not taking advantage of a suitable learning structure and leaving 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 is a fantastic way to structure your little one's learning. With interactive modules and planned activities, parents can easily track their child's progress, making sure they're developing essential skills in a step-by-step, consistent way. Each module is designed to spark curiosity and a love for learning, while also providing progress-tracking tools.

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.

Kids are like sponges, that's true, but giving them enriching learning opportunities is super important. Stimulating them with educational games, books, art activities, and social interactions really helps their brain and social skills grow. A rich and varied environment fuels their curiosity and eagerness to learn.

How about setting up a treasure hunt in the garden? Hide some colorful objects and give your child a little map to find them. This will help develop their sense of direction and observation skills while having a blast. Or, build a fort with cushions and blankets, then read adventure stories inside – a perfect way to spark their imagination.

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

4. Skipping steps

Finally, the last mistake to avoid when getting your child ready for preschool is rushing things. Every child grows at their 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 their learning is solid and lasts longer.

The Importance of the bond with parents or guardians

Getting a child ready for preschool isn't just about building skills. It's also a fantastic chance to strengthen the bond between the child and their parents or guardians. Actively participating in your child's educational activities creates precious moments of togetherness and sharing. Whether it's mom, dad, or even grandma 🤪, having loved ones involved in the learning process is crucial.

These shared moments help create a sense of security and support for the child, boosting their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Plus, seeing your child's progress and achievements up close is incredibly rewarding and strengthens your relationship.

Conclusion

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

For more resources and tips on getting ready for preschool, feel free to visit Play and Grow Together.