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Leaving the cozy nest of home to enter the world of preschool can be a poignant experience for your child.

If you are the cuddle-and-embrace type of parent then it would be an even more difficult task for both, child and parents.

I recall my first day at kindergarten, through the countless tales of my mother, and I now understand as the father of a sweet little daughter how hard it would be to make a full day without those familiar faces.

The first thing to avoid is to make it an issue or sound like a punitive measure, you should rather compare it like a day at the seaside with cousins and family friends.

Show them movies like 'Daddy day care' to introduce them with the idea, or read them books that ease the fear of being left unattended by those she/ he cherishes above all, make sure they catch the key phrase 'making new friends'.

Tell them of how great it was when you went to preschool; a white lie would be best.

A week or two prior to the start of her first great day, take her shopping and let her choose her own little stuffs - a fancy little bag, her own non-spill cup and Tupperware, and the dress she will like to wear throughout the day.

Another great tip I got from my mother who is an experienced teacher and a model of parenting, is to visit the kindergarten, get the usual program from the headmistress and get your child acquainted with the new daily routine a few days or weeks before she goes in live environment. Teach her the rules of the game and let her make the logic of it all through your coaching.

Never be late when you need to pick your child in the afternoon, it gives her/ him a sense of confusion and insecurity seeing other children going away with their respective parents.

If she is in a grumpy or sulky mood, give her a hug and do not bombard her with questions, she will later pour her heart content.

Take her to her favorite toy store and get her a little bonus.

But if by bedtime she did not utter much about her day, share your first day at preschool white lie again and tell her that things will be better tomorrow or the next day.

Learn more about this author, Veeryavan Ramkhelawon.
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