It's time. Your little one is starting preschool. Part of you is very excited for this new step in her growth and development. But another part of you is a bit apprehensive and wary of the unexpected. Chances are your child has the same conflicting feelings. Help your little one into the transition and make the first day of preschool easy with these must have items and tips.
Backpack -- Choose something durable and size appropriate. You don't want your preschooler weighed down by a bag that she can barely carry. Companies like L.L. Bean and Ore offer toddler sized backpacks. Inside should be:
- an extra change of clothes, in case of accidents or spills
- a sippy cup
- plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
- a folder for papers or school work sent home
Lunch sack -- Like the backpack, you want something that is durable, easy to clean, and reusable. Many schools encourage low or no waste lunches, cutting back on trash. Ore offers lunch sacks to match their backpacks, or check out various types of bento boxes for no waste options.
Nap mat -- Check with your child's preschool or mother's day out program to see if she will be taking a nap or rest period while there. If so, the school may require children to bring their own nap mats. Nap mats often come with an attached blanket, or your child can bring her own.
Play clothes -- It's fun to dress your kids up for school, but make sure they are dressed comfortably and weather appropriate. Most kids will go outside for play time every day, unless it is raining. Some schools also require close toed shoes for safety purposes.
Labels and tags -- Everything you send to school with your child should be labeled with her name to ensure it makes it back home safely. Label coats, clothing, blankets, nap mats, cups/bottles, lunch sacks, backpacks, pencil cases, etc.
Potty training -- Depending on age, your child may need to be fully, or at least mostly potty trained before entering a program. Make sure they know how to use the big potty, including puling down their pants and underwear, and washing their hands afterwards. Teachers are willing to help if they know the child needs it.
Diapers -- If your child is younger and diapers are still acceptable, consult with your preschool to see how many diapers they prefer you send per day.
Miscellaneous or optional items -- Schools usually ask kids to leave special or favorite toys at home so that they don't get lost, but there are some things you can do to make your kids feel special in this new adventure.
- Keep a laminated family photo in a safe place in their back pack.
- Write special notes or draw little pictures to slip into their lunch sack.
- Let them pick out a special keychain or charm to attach to their backpack.
- Send them off with a favorite food in their lunch or for snack.
Entering a new preschool or mother's day out program can be exciting and daunting for both parents and kids. But following these tips will ensure your child gets to school with everything she needs for her big first day.
Leigh Ann Torres - Leigh Ann Torres is a freelance writer living in Austin, TX. A mother to three children ages three and under, including a set of identical ...
