Provide Your Child With Reassurance And Comfort While They Attend Preschool
If your child is shy around others and is having difficulty remaining composed after you drop them off at preschool and often cries incessantly, reassure your child that they will be fine while away from you, and provide them with comfort by trying the following techniques:
Try Shorter Sessions A Couple Times Each Week
If you have been dropping your child off at preschool for lengthy hours several times each week, reduce the amount of your time that your preschooler spends away from you to see if their demeanor improves. Sit down with your child's teacher to discuss your concern and ask them for assistance with changing the current schedule to one that is shorter.
After adjusting the schedule, stay in touch with your child's teacher on a routine basis to inquire about your child's progress. If less time away from you seems to be working out better for you and your preschooler, stick to the new schedule until your preschooler grows more accustomed to the school and their peers.
Provide Your Child With A Photograph
Ask your preschooler's teacher if it would be alright for your child to bring a family photograph to school that they can look at or share with their classmates. If so, ask your preschooler to help you pick out a picture that depicts a pleasant memory and that includes you, your child, and other close family members. Tell your child that they will be provided with the opportunity to share the picture with their classmates and that they can describe what is in the photo if they wish.
If your child is hesitant about speaking to others at the preschool, suggest to the teacher that she allow the children to pass the photograph around instead of having your child describe the picture. After showing the picture, your child can hang onto the photograph or stick it in their cubby so that they feel closer to you and their other family members while away from home.
Bring Familiar Items From Home For Nap Time
If a rest period is offered at the preschool, help your child choose a favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed toy to bring with them to the child care facility. If items from home or discouraged, your child's teacher may bend slightly by allowing your preschooler the opportunity to use a familiar item solely for nap time. The personal items can be kept inside of a small box or placed on a shelf prior to nap time. Once it is time to lay down, your child will feel safe and secure by resting next to possessions that they are familiar with.
