Sending your child to nursery can be a daunting prospect for any parent, and you might wonder if they’re ready for it or not. Every child develops at their own pace, so it can be hard to tell whether your child in particular will embrace the nursery environment.
Sometimes circumstances play a part meaning you have to go back to work and send your child to nursery regardless. If you do have a choice though but aren’t sure how to tell if they’re ready or not, read on for some tips from a day nursery in Richmond.
Basic Selfcare
Although some nurseries take children from as young as a few months old, it will help your child adjust if they’re a bit older if they’re able to do certain things independently, like putting on their own shoes or washing their hands before they eat. If your child can do a lot of things autonomously, they will feel more comfortable in the nursery environment where they won’t necessarily have one-on-one attention all the time.
Separation From You
If your child is still quite clingy towards you, they might find it harder to adjust to being without you for an extended period of time. If, however, they readily go to their grandparents’ house with you or don’t experience much separation anxiety when you’re not around, they’ll probably be fine at nursery (depending on how long they’ll spend there of course).
Independent play
The transition to nursery can be easier for children who are able to play games with other children for a short period of time without needing constant supervision.
If your child still needs your continual input when they play, they might find it difficult to entertain themselves or interact with peers without direction from an adult. Another indication of your child’s readiness for nursery is whether they’re able to pick games and make choices about what to do independently.
Self-expression
It’s important when your child gets to the nursery that they’re able to communicate their needs and feelings in one way or another. They may not be able to speak in full sentences, but they should be able to use words or gestures to express themselves.
They will also need to be able to understand basic commands from nursery staff, such as to sit down or follow them somewhere.
Having these basic skills will help your child adjust well to nursery and being away from you, but you can practise them at home before they start so that both you and they feel more prepared when the time comes.
