Question
My question is how can I help my daughter through the transition to school, What should I say to her... these kinds of things.
Also, what would be the best or more appropriate schedule in case they are flexible. Should I start half day? Could only doing 3 days a week be confusing to her? In case that’s fine, would it be best (or less confusing) if those days were consecutive?
And lastly, I keep finding excuses to postpone her starting date... I could actually send her now, if there is availability or wait till the new school year. She just turned 16 months. From your perspective, does it make a difference starting now or at 21 months? Is there a “better” age for starting at school?
My son was 13 months when he started and I wasn’t this stressed out. I can’t believe how emotional I’ve been this time around.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate you and your help. Always.
Answer
It's usually easier on the little ones to have consistent days. If you want to do it slow - do half days. No matter what she will have the typical 45 day transition period of being up and down about going to school.
One way to help is to create a transition book. That can help. There is no magic age for "best time" for preschool. At this age, what helps is consistency in time at the school, caring teachers, and routine at home when she returns.
Some say three years old is best BUT that is only because cognitively they understand more what is happening around them. They can speak about it and tell us what they may need but each child is different.