Settling into nursery can be a daunting experience for your little ones, but it can be just as emotional for the parents! Sending your children off into the big wide world is a massive step – especially when you’re so used to spending every waking moment with them. It is, however, a huge milestone that is worth getting excited about. So, why not get both you and your pride and joy as prepared as possible for this transitional period?
Take a look at Ashbridge’s tips for starting nursery for babies and toddlers to best ease your little one into their new learning environment, and rest assured that your child is fully prepared for the journey ahead.
Organise Play Dates With Friends
Familiarising your child with other children is a great way to make the classroom environment that little bit less daunting. Socialising with others is one of the most valuable lessons children can learn in the early stages of education.
So, consider exercising your little one’s social muscles by taking them to baby groups or even organising play dates with your friends’ children of a similar age! This is the perfect way to make nursery an exciting prospect for your children and something worth looking forward to.
Make Nursery Something to Get Excited About
Depending on the age of your child, talking enthusiastically with them about nursery is a fantastic way to encourage excitement. Make nursery feel like a thrilling new adventure that offers new friendships and experiences, and watch as your beaming positivity rubs off on your little one.
Don’t hesitate to celebrate their achievements! Express enthusiasm and interest in their experiences to positively impact their outlook on attending nursery.
Familiarise Them With the Nursery
Introducing your child to their nursery before their first day is a great way to minimise their anxieties on arrival. Point out your child’s future nursery as you pass, and take advantage of the available settling-in sessions. Having the opportunity to experience nursery activities for toddlers is a great way to get your child excited about eventually attending.
Be Ready for Tearful Goodbyes
Having to wave goodbye to your little one while they’re upset is difficult work. But, unfortunately, it’s extremely common for young children to react this way when dropped off at nursery until they’ve familiarised themselves with the new spaces and faces.
One of our best tips for a baby starting nursery is to say your goodbyes with confidence and a smile so that your child knows they’re being left in safe and trustworthy hands. We know this is easier said than done, but rest assured that the staff, like the fantastic teams at Ashbridge Day Nurseries, have plenty of experience in making the children feel comfortable and at ease.
Keep a Consistent Routine
You can ease your child’s transition into nursery life by committing to a routine that matches the nursery’s schedule. You can ask the nursery staff for information on meal times, nap times, etc, to help your little one know what to expect on a daily basis.
Visit Ashbridge Today
We appreciate that the first few weeks of nursery can be tricky, but we hope that our tips for starting nursery will ease your little one into this new and exciting environment.
If you’re searching for the best places to send your children, consider paying our Ashbridge nurseries a visit. With truly unique facilities and an exciting approach to learning, you can rest assured that your child is in excellent hands at one of our nurseries. Book an Ashbridge tour with your child today to introduce them to our facilities and to get a better idea of how things work at Ashbridge.
If you need any additional advice or tips for a baby starting nursery, don’t hesitate to contact us.
