By Russell Malicote
Soon your little one will be attending preschool. This will probably be a great time of growth and learning. The preschool teacher becomes a big part of your lives. Sadly, many preschool teachers do not enjoy the same respect from parents as do elementary school teachers. Yet these preschool teachers are helping toddlers get ready for Kindergarten and beyond. Here are eight ideas to help make preschool a great experience for you, your child and the instructor.
Tip 1. Take a look at what your child brings home. If your child has a school bag or backpack, look inside. It is extremely important that you simply take a look at all the projects your little guy has worked so hard on. Yes, I realize that every days coloring page is not a work of art, but your toddler needs to understand how proud you are of him and the work he is performing. Each and every piece does not have to be saved, and feel totally free to toss them when the tot goes to bed, but do look each and every day and acknowledge his hard work. Also, look in the bag to see notes that your child’s instructor might have sent home.
Tip 2. From the mouths of babes come forth your household secrets. Okay, maybe “family secrets” is a bit dramatic, but toddlers love to tell everything that they hear. Our kids watch everything we do, and it’s inevitable that they’ll tell what they have heard and seen. So the next time you’re ranting and raving about someone, make sure your toddler is out of earshot. Keep in mind that children will get out of bed at night. So if you have a romantic night planned, ensure that your bedroom door locks. You can’t believe how many times kids tell tales about seeing their parents “fight” in bed.
Tip 3. Respect the teacher’s time. Sometimes, parents treat preschool teachers like babysitters. You need to keep in mind that the preschool teacher is a professional and deserves your respect. She spends all day with your precious little one, caring for him and helping him to mature. Honor the significance of this role. Try to pick your child up at the designated time. Just as you have labored all day, so has she. She also needs to get home and take care of her household.
Tip 4. Now will be the time to get into the habit of celebrating your child for who he is and how he does things. Each and every youngster is different, and each discovers things in her own way and at her own pace. So learn to enjoy your son or daughter for exactly where he is right now in his learning. This is what the preschool teacher does. Refrain from comparing your child to other people, and most definitely do not ask the teacher to compare your son or daughter to the other kids.
Tip 5. Gifts are nice, although not necessary. It’s a nice gesture to give the teacher a gift to thank them for all they do, but a teacher would rather have you thank them verbally than to receive another gift that she cannot use. Your child’s teacher has received a life’s supply of scented candles by now. It’s doubtful she needs or wants any more. And never re-gift—no one really likes a fiber-optic cactus. I imagine several teachers could have a yard sale full of tacky items they’ve obtained as presents.
Tip 6. Preschool teachers have your child’s best interests at heart. So once they tell you your child requires further evaluation in an area or needs to work on something to come up to age level standards, trust them. They have the formidable task of getting your child prepared for school, and so they want to make certain they give each and every youngster the best foundation for a great academic career. So trust them, and don’t allow yourself to possess hurt or guilty emotions.
Tip 7. Nothing in life is ever ideal, and there might be times when you would like to let the instructor know of an issue your son or daughter is having. Many times we think that if we just do not say something it will take care of itself. That doesn’t always occur, and you will have to let the teacher know that your son or daughter is having a hard time with something. The teacher might not be aware of the problem and will appreciate your bringing it to her attention. Also, keep in mind that, in your discussions with the teacher, it doesn’t help to become overly emotional. This is difficult sometimes when it comes to dealing with problems and your kids, but containing your emotions will improve communication.
Tip 8. As a general rule, put yourself in the instructor’s shoes. Deal with them the way you’d want to be treated. Take a couple of minutes and think of all that the instructor does for your child each and every day. Value your children’s instructors and all that they do.
