The first weeks of preschool are huge for little ones.
New adults. New room. New smells, sounds, routines.
If mornings feel like tears, clinginess and last-minute chaos, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple structure that can help you prepare your child for preschool.
The night before:
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Let your child help choose clothes and pack the bag: snack, comfort toy if allowed, water bottle. This allows for a little independence and a sense of control of the day.
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Talk through “tomorrow” in plain language: “We’ll wake up, have breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, then drive to preschool and I will give you two big hugs at the door.”
In the mornings:
Keep the order the same every day. Young children feel safe when they can predict what’s next. You can do what fits your child and your household, but here are some ideas:
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Wake up and cuddle for a minute (connection before direction).
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Breakfast at the same spot each day.
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Get dressed straight after breakfast.
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Teeth, toilet, shoes.
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Short play or book if there’s time — not a full activity or too much fun. We’re encouraging leaving the house!
At drop-off:
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Have a simple goodbye ritual: two hugs, one high-five, special phrase (“See you after snack time!”).
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Don’t sneak away. That breaks trust, even if it seems easier.
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Keep it short. Long, apologetic goodbyes usually make things worse.
At pickup:
Later that day, name their bravery: “You were nervous and you still went in. That’s what brave looks like.”
Save this for the week before, or the week of preschool. It’s okay if it takes time.
Preschool Preparation is a daily routine – keep going and it will become an effortless habit.
Don’t miss our Preschool Assessment guide to give you and your child more confidence in your preschool preparation journey.
