Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

Some parents want to enroll their child in a preschool program so they can enjoy free time during the day. This can be used for a mind break, to run errands, or to do chores around the house. Other parents want to enroll their child in preschool because they feel their child is bored or needs some level of stimulation that they aren’t getting at home. Often, parents want to enjoy a mix of these benefits rather than just one.

As much as you may be ready for your child to start preschool, however, you do also want to ensure that your child is ready for preschool. So just what signs can you look for in your child to determine if he or she is ready to start a preschool program?

Bored at Home. Many children engage in creative play, and it is completely normal to have imaginary friends at this age. However, if your child’s best friend is someone he or she has created, this may be a sign that he or she is ready to be exposed to more socialization.

Follows Your Rules. Every toddler will struggle from time to time with listening and obeying rules, but if your child more or less behaves well for you, he or she may be ready to enter a classroom setting.

Too Attached. Separation anxiety is common at this age, but it is also appropriate to start separating yourself from your child in small doses Preschool often is a great starting point for this, and it can make the transition easier when your child spends longer periods of time away from you in kindergarten.

ABCs and 123s. Some kids learn their ABCs and 123s perfectly well at home, but others put up a mental roadblock when their parents try to teach them anything. If you feel your child is falling a bit behind academically compared to his or her peers, the group mentality associated with a preschool program can work in your favor.

Many kids are ready to enter a preschool program around age two or three, but all kids will develop at their own rate. Your child may be ready to enter in a program today, or it may be better to allow your child a few more months to develop at home before enrolling him or her in a program.

Here are a few other articles written by this author:

How Positive is Your Parenting?

Helping Your Kids Through Fights with Friends

Kids and Friend Drama: When to Step In


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