PARENT'S PRE-SCHOOL JITTERS

Upon entering Pre-School, a little anxiety is normal for both parents and children. This makes it particularly tough for parents, because they have to manage both their child's and their own feelings.

1. My child won't adjust to school
   
   Most children are excited about starting preschool, but also fearful. There are many things you can do to make the experience easier to handle, for example:
   
   
   1. Tell your child what a typical day will be like, so he or she is not surprised.
      
      
   2. Explain the teacher's role. Let your child know that he or she can talk to the teacher or teacher's aide about anything, big or little.
   
   
   
2. My child will feel that I've abandoned him/her.
   
   Your attitude about the preschool experience will largely shape your child's feelings toward preschool. "Most three and four year olds are very excited about school, because they see it as a grown-up thing to do."
   
   
3. My child will make a scene everyday as I try to leave.
   
   Good-byes can be hard for both parent and child. The best strategy is to keep them short and upbeat, or your child will think there's a reason to fear being left.
   
   
4. There will be too many kids, and my child won't get enough attention.
   
   Perhaps the biggest adjustment to preschool that your child must make is giving up the full-time, one-on-one attention he or she got from you or a care giver. But that's how she'll learn to be more self-sufficient.
   
   
5. My child won't like the teacher.
   
   If this concerns you, please meet with the teacher and ask to spend time in the classroom.
   
   
6. My child won't get along with the other children.
   
   At preschool children learn how to share, follow rules and enjoy having playmates.
   
   Despite these concerns, most three and four year olds do beautifully at preschool. Pre-school is to prepare them for Kindergarten and the future of their education.

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