Does Your Big Move Mean a New Preschool 3 Ways to Help Your Child Make the Transition

Posted on: 9 August 2017

Moving to a new home and starting a new preschool program are both huge life events for your child. While you tend to try to keep major changes to a minimum for your child, this is one time when you can't help that they all have to happen at once. The great news is that children are resilient, and your child will look to you to figure out how to react to their new lifestyle. As you prep for your move, use these tips to help your child transition to their new home and preschool program at the same time.

Minimize the Surprises

By the time your child is old enough to attend preschool, they have a pretty clear understanding of what is going on in the world around them. Avoid trying to hide your move or wait until the last minute to let your child know what is going on. This is because your preschooler may pick up on your stress or overhear you talking about the move to someone else. Instead, talk to your child about exactly what is happening. For instance, you can let them know that they will be changing to a new preschool along with getting a new house. This way, they can begin to prepare for the big transition.

Make Taking Tours a Priority

Preschool-aged children are visual learners, and showing their new home and classroom helps them to begin to picture themselves in the new environment. If you live too far away, then see if you can take a virtual tour of your new neighborhood online that includes an image of the school building. When you live nearby your new neighborhood, remember that preschools are always willing to let you explore together before the first day, so go ahead and arrange for your child to take a tour.

Talk to Your Child's New Teacher

It is important to let your child's new teacher know that they are dealing with a major move on top of changing preschools. This is because early childhood teachers are full of information on how to help children handle transitions. From recommending that you bring a comfort item to cluing you in to how your child adjusts, working with your child's teachers gives them another set of people in their support network that will help them thrive in their new environment.

Moving to a new home is stressful for young children, and it often means changing preschools at the same time. Being sensitive to your child's needs and planning activities that help them know what to expect is the best way to ensure that they quickly adjust to their new living situation.

Share