Is your toddler ready to attend preschool? Spot the signs with these tips from DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON.
Age by stage 2 years
Is your toddler ready to attend preschool? Spot the signs with these tips from DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON.
Choosing when to send your toddler to preschool can be one of your toughest decisions as a parent. Leave it too late, and he can become bored; start him too early, and he might end up stressed out. Here are six signs that he’s all set for the learning journey:
The sign He has lost interest in the toys and activities at home. What it means Your two-year-old is curious and inquiring, and it can be a struggle for you to provide that stimulation every day. His apparent drop in enthusiasm indicates he is ready for the wide range of new experiences available in preschool.
The sign He is socially independent. What it means Preschool provides him with the opportunity to make new friends and develop social skills. It can be socially challenging as well, especially as some kids may not be welcoming. If he can mix and play with others without your help, he is probably ready.
The sign He is self-sufficient. What it means In preschool, children are expected to be reasonably independent. For example, he must be pottytrained (more or less), and able to feed himself and tell an adult if something troubles him. He should also be able to play well with a toy for some time without asking adults for help or another toy.
The sign He has good concentration. What it means Preschool involves a great deal of learning, and learning requires concentration. By paying attention, your kid increases his knowledge and understanding of the world around him. So if he can sit at the table and play with a game or puzzle without wandering off to another activity, preschool could be ideal for him.
The sign He separates well from you. What it means Going to preschool involves separating from Mum and Dad every day. Some children manage this emotional hurdle better than others. Many kids shed tears at parting, though most settle down within six weeks after starting preschool. A two-year-old who already copes with temporary separation from his parents will quickly adjust to the preschool routine.
The sign He is emotionally resilient. What it means Even in a preschool that provides lots of individual attention for every child, there will be moments of disappointment and distress. For example, when he can’t have the snack he wanted, or when another preschooler takes a toy from him without asking. Does your young one get upset over such incidents or does he tend to take these in his stride? A kid who deals well without bursting into tears is likely to enjoy preschool.
A two-year-old who deals well with moments of disappointment and distress is likely to enjoy preschool.
