How to Prepare a Child for Kindergarten: Tips from My Horizons

The first day of kindergarten is a whole new world for a child and an important step for parents. For the child, it is not just a change of environment, but an introduction to a new rhythm of life, people, and rules. For you, as a parent, this is the moment when you have to trust someone else to take care of your greatest asset.

But don’t worry! Adaptation can be easy if you prepare in advance. At My Horizons, we know how it is, and we want to share some simple tips to help make the transition to kindergarten a calm and joyful one for the entire family.

Preparing psychologically: child and parents

Adaptation to kindergarten begins with parents. Your confidence and calmness help your child to accept changes more easily. Talk to your child about the kindergarten in a positive way, describing it as a place where they will find friends and have fun. Avoid complicated explanations — everything should be simple and clear. To prepare, you can play a game: imagine together how the child enters the kindergarten, meets the teacher and sits down to play with other children.

Create a routine in advance

To make it easier for your child to adapt, start gradually changing the routine at home. Determine the time for sleeping, getting up, eating and going for walks that coincide with the schedule in the kindergarten. Prepare your child for activities in the morning in advance. Do not make sudden changes: adaptation to the new schedule should be gradual. This will help your child get used to the structured day and make him or her feel more comfortable in the kindergarten.

Teaching basic skills

Before going to kindergarten, it is useful to teach your child simple things: how to wash their hands, eat with a spoon or put on a hat. This will help your child feel more confident and independent. Don’t criticise if something doesn’t go well, rather praise even small progress. Don’t worry if something doesn’t work out perfectly yet, the educators at My Horizons are always ready to help. The main thing is to support your child by encouraging his or her efforts, not just the result.

Get to know the team and the space

If possible, visit the kindergarten with your child before school starts. Show him or her the playroom, the playground, and introduce him or her to the teacher. This will help your child feel more confident and reduce their fear of the unfamiliar. At My Horizons, we are always happy to welcome guests so that each child can gradually get used to the new environment.

The importance of support in the first month

The first month in kindergarten is a new and important stage that can be difficult for both the child and the parents. During this period, the child learns to be a part of the team, gets used to new rules, gets to know the teachers and children. But the biggest challenge is adapting to separation from parents. Your support during this time is key to making your child feel safe and accustomed to the new environment.

To make this process gentle and comfortable:

• leave your child for a short time at first, gradually increasing the length of stay in the kindergarten;
• talk to your child about his/her day, ask about his/her impressions and feelings;
• always say when you will return and be on time;
• If your child is upset, acknowledge their feelings and reassure them;
• create positive rituals, such as a special goodbye in the morning or a small ritual of meeting after kindergarten.

At My Horizons, we pay special attention to adaptation. Teachers work with each child individually, support them in exciting moments, and encourage friendly communication. Children gradually get involved in group activities, get to know others and start to enjoy their time in the kindergarten. Care, understanding and love are our main tools for a successful start.