Vpk

I just enrolled my son too for preschool starting Monday. The advice you get will help me too. I am anxious as well how my son will adjust.

If it were me, I would definately take him there as many times as you can between now and starting. ALso- I personally would choose 1/2 days for a 4 yr old. If you are a SAHM then it isn't a necessity that he goes away from you right now anyway. I would keep him with me the other 1/2 of the day and enjoy this precious time with him. If you are planning to send him to school at age 5 then you have only one more year with him, that's it. It may be the 'norm' in mainstream USA to send kids off to be cared for by others at age 3 and 4, but if it's not necessary then I would cherish these special few remaining months with your little one. They grow up so fast and their time with you,memories and bonds are priceless. No VPK teacher is going to cherish memories of the kids nor remember certain 1st's as we do as their parent. I would let him get used to other kids but wouldn't have him there all the time.... but that's me personally. I know VPK is free, but you couldn't pay me enough to turn my child over and give up that time to someone they don't even know...

We talked to my grandson about how this would help him to become a big boy and make new friends. We told him that learning would be so much fun. We took him to meet his teacher and see the classroom before school began. This took some of the anxiety out of the first day.

The ladies here had some really good ideas. I think if you consider them all, you'll be ahead of the game.

The very best to you and your new student!

Hello, it has already been said before but my advice is to take him there as much as they will allow. My son has been very iinvolved with alarge playgroup of kids his age since he was a baby but was still super apprehensive last summer before preschool started for him. We went often, played in classrooms he met his teachers and other teachers who work there, etc. Also, they let him play on the playground.

Good luck to you both -I think it's sometimes harder for the mommies at drop of time than the kiddos!

I am an early childhood specialist. For first time students, I would suggest that you take him to visit the school several times s he can begin to be aware of his new surroundings and meet his teacher. I would even suggest you ask if you can bring him in for a half day a few times as well before school starts.

Going to school for the first time can be very traumatic because now children are having to learn how to deal with multiple children and adults, follow a schedule and be without mommie for a long period of time.

This task is not easy for parents either, so I hope you follow th sugestions mentioned as it will help you to transition as well.

Vsit my website at www.kidtastik.com

You've gotten a lot of good advice. I REALLY agree with the fact that our children will react based on what they sense from their parents. If you are happy and excited about it, he probably will be also. All the pre-preparation is a good idea. Just know - he may surprise you and LOVE it! If he hasn't had a lot of opportunities to interact and socialize with others, he may really enjoy the opportunity. All children are different but most do adjust pretty easily. Good Luck and I hope he has fun!

Hi C.,
I am a VPK teacher with Pinellas County Schools and I think that you have already gotten a lot of good advice. Visiting the school and/or teacher early is usually a great idea. It helps to take away that fear of the "unknown". There may be tears either from your son or from you so be prepared! I am also a mother and have dealt with first day fears/tears for years and never thought that I would be one of them but sure enough, last year when I dropped my oldest off for KG, I could not believe that I was about to cry! VPK is designed to get the children prepared for KG so if you can do a full day, it will help for next year. You might want to make up a ritual to say goodbye each day that you drop your son off. Becky Bailey has a book called "I Love You Rituals" or you could read a book called "The Kissing Hand". - Just something nice to send them off to school with. The best thing that you can do for your son is to be involved with his teacher (educationally speaking) from now until he is proudly walking up to get his high school diploma. Best of Luck with him and your daughter.
P.

Cricket (love that nickname!),

I think that the other mom gave some great advice if you signed him up for the full day. Last year my 4yr old started vpk and he went for the half day program. He absolutely loved it from the orientation before school started to the very last day of the school year. He probably would have loved to be there the entire day, but circumstances prevented that option at the time. I too live in a rural area and there isn't much in the way of childhood interaction, so vpk was wonderful. I was nervous because my son is quite rambunctious, but he thrived in the environment and can't wait for kindergarten to start next month.

Good Luck

Hi C.,
My son handle his first day at Pre-K very well, it was me that had a hard time letting go..lol. I too have only 1 car and my hubby takes that back and forth with him to work so that leaves me pretty much homebound to say the very least. There's really no one in my area for my son to play with as well and doesn't get much interaction with kids either. When he started Pre-K, I thought that he was going to have a hard time adjusting with the other kids but he really surprised me....he loved being there. I'm a SAHM too and have been since my son was born...he will be 6 in September. What I did was bring him to the school that he would be attending and have him meet the teacher and all. He also saw what his classroom was like and got real excited. These are some things that you could do with your son to ease any nerves that he might have. I'm sure your son will do fine....he'll surprise you. Good Luck and let me know how things work out for your son.

I totally agree with Teresa...we have used this method with everything from visiting Santa at the mall to going to the dentist, with FANTASTIC results. Visit with your son, let him meet the teachers and see the room as often as they'll let you visit this summer...if you can't go in...drive there and just walk around outside the bldg...show him the playground, etc...don't just drive by and point...
Usually pre-k, etc are more traumatic on the parents than the kids...your son will go by your reaction...if instead of coddling him you are like "have a great day" and you leave quickly...he is more likely to be just fine. Good luck and God Bless...I know this isn't easy. B.
I'm a SAHM of b/g twins that are 4 1/2. :)

My biggest advice is to just be very involved. Volunteer, help out, do stuff at home and at school, and keep doing much of what you did before starting VPK. Also, if separation is a concern, I think the best thing to do is give them a loving goodbye or other greeting before you leave, and let him know you will be back soon and want to hear all about the wonderful things he does at school. Then wave and go, even if he cries just go. They often cry a bit and calm down soon after the parent leaves, but continue longer if you linger. I think sneaking off can actually make things worse once they realize you are gone, so just a nice see you later lets them know you are going but will be back. When you come back ask him about all the things he did, show excitement and let him know how proud you are. If he doesn't give any fuss, be glad he is enjoying himself and is comfortable knowing you'll see him soon. The only other thing is that some newer students really miss the parents at nap time, if they have nap time. I've seen a couple of them that will cry for their mommy all during nap time and even after they fall asleep sometimes you can still hear them sniffling. It really pulls your heart strings, so any advice for the teachers and assistant is helpful, plus sometimes a comfort item for nap time, (like I said, if they have it).

We read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn--sweet story and you can do the 'kissing hand' with your child when you leave him at the door.