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To say the least, parenting young children has presented many new challenges throughout the last two years. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in fewer opportunities for children to interact with their peers and develop independence. As students ages three to five prepare to attend PreK or kindergarten at MPA, many parents have questions and concerns about their child\u2019s social and emotional readiness during this challenging time.<\/p>\n
We are here to say, fear not! Young children are incredibly resilient, and they will rapidly make up for lost time. We have assembled some suggestions to help you ease into preparing your child for school this fall.<\/p>\n
Start With Play<\/strong> <\/p>\n Establish Routines and Independence<\/strong> Look For Safe Opportunities For Social Interaction<\/strong> Take It Slow<\/strong> Remember that children are not born knowing how to go to school. Skills such as walking in a line, taking turns, and quietly listening to a teacher are new for every child at some point. They also require a great deal of self- regulation, which is still developing in children at this age. The best thing parents can do is to help build their child\u2019s confidence and provide a positive outlook about school.<\/p>\n Continue To Practice Other Skills<\/strong> Find The Joy!<\/strong>
\nYoung children learn best through play and thrive on interactions that help them grow. Playing make-believe is an excellent way for young children to learn and practice new skills. Pretending together provides an example of behavior for a child to emulate. Here are some fun ideas for learning opportunities disguised as pretend play:<\/p>\n\n
\nand practice eating and taking care of their leftovers and clean up
\nindependently.<\/li>\n
\nthemselves, ask for the other person\u2019s name, and invite the friend to play.<\/li>\n
\nno longer naps, practice having some quiet time in the afternoon. Books, quiet music, and dim lighting can help them relax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nEven if your child stays at home with a parent or caregiver during the day, now is a great time to create routines that build independence and teach the skills they will need at school. Tasks such as dressing themselves, putting on and removing outdoor gear, and caring for their own belongings build confidence in young children while teaching responsibility and self-reliance. Performing these tasks in a routine way helps them become habitual. Try using phrases such as these:<\/p>\n\n
\nIf possible, having a playdate with a healthy friend is a wonderful chance for peer-to-peer social interaction. Though it may be a challenge to find safe structured activities with a group right now, the warmer weather of spring and summer will present more opportunities. Explore your community for age-appropriate activities including:<\/p>\n\n
\nand new families).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nIt\u2019s best to start small and go slowly. Some of these things may feel hard for some children while others take to them naturally. Each child has individual strengths and skills worth celebrating and encouraging.<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to building social skills, here are some other activities you can do to help your child prepare for school this fall:<\/p>\n\n
\nParenting young children, especially right now, is not easy. You are likely feeling pulled in opposite directions by wanting to thoroughly prepare your child for PreK or kindergarten, but also being cautious and protecting their health. Remind yourself that though things have looked different these last two years, there has still been a lot of learning and growth taking place. Finding joy, even in difficult times, shows your child how to be positive when faced with adversity. Take time to play, be silly, and make memories. Your child is an amazing, wonderful young person with enormous potential. You won\u2019t have to look too far to find the joy!<\/p>\n\r\n