5 tips for getting used to kindergarten

1st tip:

The acclimatization begins at the “Open Day”

Getting used to the kindergarten often begins with the “open day”. This offers you and your child the chance to take a close look at the new environment. Above all, your child can get to know the kindergarten and the educators or maybe even see his future playmates. So this new place is no longer so strange when the first day in kindergarten has come.

2nd tip:

Prepare properly for kindergarten

You make it particularly easy for your child to get used to the kindergarten if you tell them about the kindergarten, i.e. tell them what the kindergarten is, what they will be doing there and why. Be open about the upcoming change. But don’t rave to him about how great daycare would be just to calm his fears. This only leads to false hopes and ultimately to frustration and disappointment. Instead, you should show your child picture books and tell stories. It’s also a great thing if you prepare by shopping together and your child can choose the kindergarten bag , the new slippers or the lunch box.

3rd tip:

Organize the first days in kindergarten correctly

• Settling in gently : You can find out more about a gentler method of getting used to the kindergarten in our article on the “ Berlin Model ”.
• No farewell scenes : When settling into kindergarten, it is important in the first few days that you say goodbye quickly when you leave, even if your child should cry. Even if it’s difficult, don’t comfort yourself for long, because long farewell scenes only make things worse.
• Be available: Nevertheless, you should always be available for the educators, because your child has to learn that they can rely on you and that you really come back when there are real problems.
• Be reliable : That’s why it’s also important that you stick to agreements. If you promised to come after lunch, be on time. In this way, your child learns that it can rely on your promises.
• Always say goodbye : Also, don’t make the mistake of leaving without saying goodbye to your child, because you might want to spare him and yourself this goodbye because, for example, he is playing so nicely. This could cost you your child’s trust by giving them the impression that you left them behind. It will then stay near you all the more anxiously next time, so you can’t go unnoticed again,

4th tip:

Master the adjustment to the kindergarten with educators

You have a partner in your child’s educators. Of course it’s not easy when suddenly another person plays a crucial role in your child’s life, but you have to learn to accept this and try to work together with the educators. If you don’t agree with the educators, talk to them about it. Try to be as receptive as possible to other points of view.

At first, many mothers cannot cope with the fact that they are suddenly no longer “needed”. They feel left out or even jealous of the “kindergarten”. It is certainly difficult when your child suddenly goes to kindergarten after the intensive time together. But also be happy about your newly gained freedom and the fact that your child is having a good time, gaining new experiences and taking an important step in their development.

5th tip:

Be considerate of your child

Getting used to the kindergarten also means that your child is exposed to a new environment and many new impressions. It has to be processed first. Of course, that takes a lot of energy. This is why children are often exhausted and lack drive, sometimes even aggressive, especially in the early days. If your child needs rest, leave it alone. After he has settled in at kindergarten, his mood will improve again. In addition, you should not pester your child with questions about the kindergarten, its teachers and new friends if it does not feel like telling anything about it. Your child needs space, so feel free to distance yourself. Remember, you can always contact the educators if you want to know what your child is doing in kindergarten during the day.