How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool

By: HeyZeus Oak

Insights from Parents

Just like a baby’s first step, first word, and first tooth, going to preschool is a highly anticipated milestone! Many parents wonder if their child is ready and how to make the transition smooth. Here are some valuable insights from conversations with parents at Heart in Hand over the past years.

Teaching Patience and Sharing

“One thing that really helped me was realizing that my child would soon be part of a group of eight, which is very different from being an only child at home. Skills like waiting for a turn, sharing toys, and sharing the teacher’s attention would be new for my child. To teach patience, I started delaying gratification for my child’s requests. I would say, ‘Yes, I will play that game with you after I finish preparing our meal’.”

Gradual Separation

“I noticed my child had never spent time away from me or my spouse. Leaving her with another adult could be traumatic, so I began setting up times during the day when a babysitter would be with her. Once she was comfortable, I arranged playdates with another child and eventually left her with that child’s parents. Slowly, her confidence grew, and she knew she would be safe with other grownups.”

Establishing a Routine

“Our schedule was always chaotic, and we did activities on impulse. I thought getting used to the school routine might be awkward, so we started having meals at regular times over the summer, followed by regular bedtimes, etc. This brought a nice rhythm to our lives, and there was still plenty of time for spontaneous fun. We noticed fewer tantrums, which we attributed to our newfound routine.”

Encouraging Imaginative Play

“We know that in Waldorf Education, the child’s imagination is central. My husband and I realized that our child was playing many media-inspired scenarios, unlike the free outdoor play we remembered from our childhood. We wanted our daughter to engage in more innocent play, so we started spending more time outside, building forts, and away from the TV. By the time school started, she was back to imaginative play and didn’t ask for the TV at all. Now, the TV is in our basement, and the grownups watch it in the evening.”

Ensuring Adequate Sleep

“When we learned that children aged 3 to 5 need 12 hours of sleep, we realized our little one was sleep-deprived and wondered if his rebellious behavior was due to tiredness. Slowly, we inched his bedtime towards 7 pm, which took all summer. We also invested in blackout curtains to keep the summer sun out. He no longer seems interested in napping, but we still have an hour of quiet time after lunch for reading or drawing in his room. This balances our active summer schedule.”

Potty Training

“Potty training was a struggle, and we worried our son might be made fun of at preschool. We were advised to relax and start having a ‘potty try’ before every snack or meal. It became part of his routine. Sometimes he succeeded, and other times he didn’t, but progress was made. It also helped to let him run around naked in the summer. By the time school started, he was almost fully potty trained. After a few weeks of seeing his peers use the bathroom, he followed their example.”

HeyZeus Oak is the owner of Heart in Hand Preschool in NE Portland. With a background in Early Childhood Waldorf education and a deep reverence for nature, he is dedicated to guiding children on journeys of discovery. Learn more at heartinhandpreschool.com