For three-year-olds, the beginning of the school year is somewhat different than for the rest, especially for those who have not been to kindergarten. Soon they will have to face important changes in their day to day and they will need some time to feel fully comfortable in their new environment.
What is the adaptation period?
The children who start the second cycle of Early Childhood Education are still very young. These children go from being in a familiar environment in which they feel safe, to sharing many hours a day with strangers. It is logical that they need to gradually adapt. This time in which these changes are assumed and normalized is known as the adaptation period.
Some schools start P3 with a shortened schedule that gradually increases. The first day one hour, the second two and so on. In this way, the child gradually adapts to the different rooms and becomes familiar with his teachers and classmates.
Not all children react the same during this adaptation period. Some are happy or agitated, others cry, others have an attitude of rejection or attachment. There are also children who are calm at first but react negatively when they become aware of the situation. And there are those who cry out of empathy when others cry.
Sometimes minors express their emotions through loss of hunger, a sleep disorder or some regressive behavior (such as wetting yourself).
If your child is one of those who cries a lot, think that his reaction is completely normal and that he needs your support more than ever. Avoid comparing him to others, do not tell him that older children do not cry because that is not going to help him.
How long is the adaptation period?
The length of the adjustment period is different for each child. Some children only need a few days and some weeks. Both cases are normal. There are specific family situations, such as the birth of a baby brother, that can influence this process.
What to do before starting the course to facilitate adaptation?
Be positive and convey confidence. Talk about how much fun he is going to have, the things he will learn, what he can play, etc. Show him where the school is and if possible introduce him to his future teacher. You can visit the patio, its class and the different rooms. Make preparations together: buy the robe, backpack, tracksuit, etc.
Give him the information he needs. Explain to him who will accompany him, who will pick him up, if he is going to stay for lunch or not. He tries to gradually adapt his current schedule to that of the school.
Facilitate adaptation during the first days
- First and foremost is to arm yourself with patience and be very understanding. Try not to dramatize or feel guilty about the situation.
- Tickets are key. Be cheerful and determined; You say goodbye, give him a kiss, a hug and wish him a good day reminding him that you will come to pick him up in a few hours. Do not lengthen the goodbye. I know it is very hard to leave your child crying or holding your arms, but you are not doing him a favor if you appear insecure or very anxious at that moment.
- Never cheat on him. It is useless to promise that you will park the car and come back in a few minutes if you are not going to keep it. You will feel cheated and the next time will be much worse.
- Leaving without saying goodbye is counterproductive. Do not take advantage of the moment when he is clueless or playing to leave. When he looks for you and does not find you, he will have a bad time and the next day he will not move from your side for a second.
- Be very punctual at the time of departureespecially the first few days. A few minutes can seem like an eternity.
Surely in a few days or weeks your little one will be delighted to go to his class and school will be a source of very positive new experiences for him. MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT!