If you've got a kids heading to preschool for the first time, there are some things you can do to help bolster her confidence, make the experience more fun, and get her to master vital skills.
First of all, when you drop her off and pick her up, stay off the phone - no texting or email either. Kids pick up on it when they don't have your full attention. Also, at drop off time, be confident and upbeat, and don't hover. The longer you make drop off last, the harder the separation is.
Kids this age also hear and understand a lot more than we give them credit for, so be careful what you talk about in front of your kids. A good rule of thumb is not to talk about anything you wouldn't want the whole school to know about - whether that's your nasty rash, your good-for-nothing brother-in-law, your sister's financial troubles, or even how you really feel about meatloaf surprise day at school.
Preschoolers can also do a lot more than most parents expect. Let them try to do things on their own, even if it takes longer. It will eventually be easier for you (and the teachers who have 15-20 kids to deal with) if they learn how to zip their own coats, put on their own boots, and blow their own noses.
And finally, respect school policy regarding snacks. Many schools prefer only healthy snacks be brought in for birthdays and other celebrations - or no snacks at all. Some kids have food allergies that need to be considered, and other families have health preferences for their kids. If you're packing lunches, save things like cookies and candy for at home, to avoid lunchtime squabbles.
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