Let’s Get Started
We’re shedding light on one of the most exciting and significant milestones you’ll face with your little one – starting nursery school! We know that the thought of sending your child off to nursery school may be worrying. There are a million questions that may run through your mind… Will my child make friends? Are the nursery staff nice? What will their day-to-day look like?
Fear not – we’ve got you covered.
All About That Routine
Before we delve into the world of alphabets and number charts, let’s chat about the foundation of nursery readiness – a good routine. You know what we mean – getting the little ones up and dressed at a reasonable hour (as if ‘reasonable’ exists when you’ve got children!), regular mealtimes, and that golden holy grail, the bedtime schedule. This may sound more elusive than a straight eight hours of sleep, but trust us, consistency is your best friend here.
To Share or Not to Share
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that a toddler’s favourite word is ‘mine’. Trying to teach the concept of sharing to a child who thinks the world revolves around their Dora the Explorer sippy cup can be a bit of a challenge. But, hey, we’ve seen parents operate on two hours of sleep and a half-eaten granola bar – you’re up to the task!
Start by organising mini playdates with close friends, or even use dolls or teddies as ‘friends’ to practice sharing with. You’ll probably hear ‘mine’ more times than you can count, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a child’s ability to share.
A Little Independence Goes a Long Way
Here’s a question:
How can a child who can locate a hidden chocolate bar in seconds, not find their shoes in the middle of the living room? The key to this is encouraging a bit of independence.
So, how do you go about this? Keep things within reach. You could use low shelves for their shoes, clothes, and toys, and stickers to label drawers. Then, sit back and watch their confidence grow!
Soothing the First-Day Jitters
It’s completely normal for your little one (and let’s face it, you too) to have a case of the butterflies when facing the first day of nursery school. The best remedy for this is familiarisation.
Take a virtual tour of the nursery if available, or just chat about what they can expect – the lovely teachers, making new friends, and all the fun activities waiting for them. Make sure to always sound as positive and happy as possible when talking about nursery. A story about a character going to nursery school or parents leaving for the day can also do wonders (Our personal favourite is Owl Babies!)
The Art of Letting Go
Last, but certainly not least, is the art of letting go.
We’re not talking about letting your little one run wild in the Candylicious store at the Dubai Mall, but rather giving them the space to grow and learn at their own pace. There will be tumbles and tantrums, triumphs, and yes, probably some tears. But through it all, always remember, you’re doing an amazing job!
To Conclude…
Starting nursery school is a thrilling new chapter for you and your little superstar. It can be a bit of a maze, but with a dash of patience and a heap of love, it’s one you’ll navigate with grace. After all, if you can survive parenthood in Dubai, where the sand gets everywhere and the summer is hotter than a jalapeno, you can surely handle the transition to nursery school.
So, keep your chin up, and that coffee cup full. You’ve got this!
