Ten Ways to Help Your Preschool Kid

If you are a parent of one or more 2-5 year olds who are currently attending preschool in New York you have found the right blog. Just like me, your worries probably never end when it comes to your child. Need some calming down? Follow the ten tips listed below. These are tips that, in my humble opinion, all guardians of kids going to a preschool in New York (and abroad) should adopt.  

·         Don’t go overboard with your concern for your child. Direct your worries towards a positive direction, e.g. - Ask your kid about what goes on at school every day. It is important for parents to be attentive towards their child’s issues, however minor they may be. Just don't overwhelmed them with our worries. Easier said then done... I know.

·         The way you perceive your child’s preschool and their teachers affects your child’s perception. (Remember, all your actions, words and thoughts have a lasting impact on your child).

·         Give the teachers space and trust them with your child. All New York preschools recruit qualified teachers who have been trained to be the best at what they do. Give them a chance and trust them.

·         Encourage your children to also trust their teachers at school and develop bonds with their classmates. Preschools are a child’s first venture outside the home, away from their immediate family, where they learn to develop their social skills independently.

·         Teach your child to be independent by letting him/her walk to school instead of carrying them. Installing a sense of independence in them at this early age will go along way in helping them become more confident adults.

·         Always attend all parent-teacher meetings. Keep the line of communication open with your child’s teachers. Even better, get involved with the preschool community. Volunteer at the school. Join the class on day trips. There are so many different ways for you to get involved with the school, it's faculty and fellow preschool families.

·         Most preschools in New York have a diverse body of students because of the rich ethnic diversity in the population of NYC. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your child to be open and accepting of others as well as appreciate the diversity the world offers each and every one of us.

·         If possible, let children solve their issues with their classmates on their own, amicably (unless, when things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to intervene and solve it for them). Teach your child to use words like ‘Sorry’ and ‘Thank You’ and mean them.

·         The best way to teach is by example. If you want your children to learn good human values, be an example. After all, children emulate their parents.

·         Lastly, don’t over plan/over prepare for the future and force your children into the rat race. Childhood is precious- it comes around only once in life, so let them enjoy it.