Excited about your child’s first day at pre-primary? But does it also come with anxiety and fear of keeping your kids away and hearing them cry while dropping them off at school? Well, dropping your child off for their first day at pre-primary school is challenging, but if your kid has already been to nursery school, this can be managed. Here are some tips to make the first day of pre-primary school memorable. 1. Talk to them about school If your kid has been to nursery school, there are minimal problems you will experience. However, since your child is still small, you can talk to them about school during the summer vacation. This helps them get excited to experience something new. Show them pictures of schools, introduce them to some activities, help them socialize, and, if possible, introduce them to teachers. You can also show them videos of the fun that happens at school or explain the typical school routine. 2. Try to keep them away for some time Pre-primary school hours are a bit longer compared to nursery school timings. Hence, after a certain point, your child might start missing you or may not enjoy being at school. Try to reduce the time you spend with them beforehand. This helps make the transition easier and prepares both you and your child to deal with separation for a while. It also allows your child to get comfortable with the new environment more easily. 3. Help your child socialize Now that your child is taking a step toward the foundational years, they should be introduced to more people. You might already have a list of friends from nursery school, so you can arrange playdates with their friends, encourage them to make new friends, and teach them greetings and how to introduce themselves to new people. This is a trusted way to help your child meet different people and feel comfortable communicating with them. Socializing also helps your child express their feelings without getting upset or anxious. Explain to them that there will always be someone to support them as they start something new. 4. Start a new routine Starting pre-primary school means adapting to a new routine. It’s not just about waking up or going to school but also encouraging your child to get dressed in their uniform, wear their own shoes, and engage in small activities that will keep them active and help them adapt to the new routine easily. One of the most important things you need to plan is the pick-up and drop-off routine, so your child knows what to expect. Make sure they know where to go if you don’t arrive on time to pick them up. 5. Try to meet the teachers Although most schools don’t allow much time to meet with teachers, you can take your child during pre-primary admissions so they know who their teacher is. Introducing them to the teacher beforehand can make your child feel more comfortable on the first day. 6. Say goodbye On the first day of pre-primary school, it’s important to say goodbye to your child and reassure them that you will be back to pick them up. Don’t let your child dwell on the goodbyes; instead, make sure the goodbye is warm and reassuring, helping your child feel at ease in their new environment. At Friends’ Academy, one of the best ICSE Schools in Mumbai, we understand how difficult it is to see your child cry on the first day of pre-primary school. This can be a hard experience for both the child and the parents. We know the importance of caring for your child, which is why we have dedicated teachers and staff to ensure they are safe and in the right hands. Want to comfort your child with the school activities they will be participating in? Check out our pre-primary school activities!