by Geneva Ingham

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

Sending a child to preschool for the very first time can be quite dramatic for some parents especially if the child has been at home with mommy until then. Sometimes letting go is much harder for the parents than it is for the child. After all, do you really know these people who are now going to part of your child's life?

Before your child starts preschool, take them to visit several different preschools. Go in the morning and sit with the children during circle time so your little one can become familiar with the school setting. When you find the school that you like, ask if your child could come for a longer visit, maybe up to fruit time. In that way you can see what lesson and play times are like as well. Also get acquainted with your child's teachers and learn about them so that you can be more comfortable about letting them go.

Visit the library and find stories about starting preschool to read to your child. They have fun books using animal characters as well as books with children in them. Children's television programs such as Sesame Street also have episodes about someone's first day of school.

These things are fine, you say, but what if my child cries anyway? Teachers expect for children to cry when they first start school. They are prepared to hold and comfort both children and parents if need be. Do not feel bad when they cling to you and do not want the teacher even if it is a teacher that they have previously met and seemed to like. Teachers do not take it personally. It is part of the letting go process.

Stay awhile so that your child knows that you are in support of them starting school. When you have to leave take the child to the teacher and say firmly that you have to go now. The teacher will take the child in his/her arms as you leave. The child may scream, but he or she won't cry for long. Never sneak away. It makes the process worse and they never would want to let you go.

After you go work or back home give the school a call and ask about 'Joni'. In most cases you will be told that she is playing with her friends or doing some type of activity. Later on you can call again to see how she is doing. Most if not all schools have an open house policy where you can just pop in and see how your child is coping. Try not to let them see you if you think that in doing so they will cry.

Some teachers take photos and post them so that the parents can see what kind of day their children had. You probably will be reassured that your child had a pretty good first day. When you pick up your child, ask about his or her day. He or she may surprise you with the stories told.

Leaving a child for the first time is not always easy. But it can go smoother if you are positive and cheerful about the process.

Learn more about this author, Geneva Ingham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.