Starting nursery is an important milestone in your child’s life and can be an enormous change for both of you. You may feel worried about it, wondering how they’ll settle in, and how you’ll feel about leaving them. It may be your child’s first experience of being away from you, so it’s no surprise you feel anxious.
Your child may feel uneasy about going, too. Often, that can show as changes in their behaviour. Perhaps they’re getting upset more easily than usual, or seem particularly anxious? These feelings and behaviours are completely natural.
Your child will soon adjust to starting nursery and there are lots of things you can do to make sure the change is as smooth as possible.
If possible, arrange to visit the nursery before your child actually starts, to help them become familiar with where to go, and learn where important places are, like the toilets, where they have lunch, and the outside spaces.
Find out about the activities they do and what an average day for your child will look like from their new key worker, then talk this through with your child. You might be feeling anxious, but try to keep this from them. Let them see you are excited and confident about them starting at nursery.
If your child has any additional needs, or you think they may need extra support, talk about it with the nursery staff. Explain any areas they have difficulties with and talk about what you usually do at home.
To view this content, you must be part of a school which has access to My Family Coach.
