Top tips for parent's who's child is starting nursery and what to expect!!

I'm going to kick this post off by being brutally honest with you. Let's jump straight into it. Sending your child to nursery, preschool, day-care for the first time might just be one of the hardest decisions or things to cope with for you. Let's not sugar coat it! Trusting a complete group of strangers to take care of your entire life's biggest treasure, how? It almost seemed impossible to me! Here are my top tips to sending your child to nursery for the first time...
 

You can read all the articles, guides and tips on sending your child to nursery or school for the first time - all you want, but the reality is that no matter how well you educate yourself in this field nothing happens overnight. Remember that you were most probably the only person who have looked after your child 24/7 from the day of their birth up until now... The separation, even if it's just a couple of hours - can be extremely hard and overwhelming, and it's ok to feel weak. One thing you need to remember is that your little bundle of joy will be looked after by a number of experienced and qualified professionals, around other children their age with the most incredible, creative and fun activities and games that will keep them occupied enough to forget you even exist !! Of course it can be difficult at first, but your job is to stay strong and ensure your child knows that this is only for few hours, and that you will be back...

Ensure to dedicate enough time to help your child settle into their nursery or preschool. Start off by slowly disappearing for 5 or 10 mins, each time making sure your little one is aware of the fact that you're leaving the room, whether is to go toilet, make coffee or pop outside to make a phone call but - you will be back. I know sneaking out sounds much easier and more convenient but you want to make sure your child trust you and feels comfortable within the environment and the people surrounding them, whilst being aware that you are not around.

Always ensure you are the first one to line up outside the nursery/preschool door when collecting your kids. This way they will be called out first out of the room and prevent getting over stressed watching other children leave before them.

How extra !! Not really, at nursery they only have limited 'snack time' and food variety. By the end of the day or session, their bellies might just be rumbling. Every child will enjoy their fav snack or a drink on their way back home...

Be prepared for lots of colds in the first months as kids immune system is still very weak and with a little time your little human will be fighting off any infection like a true soldier. With all honesty, nurseries are like germ traps. The kids dribble all over the place, use their hands to wipe their snort, put toys in their mouth and God knows what else. Keep your child hydrated, provide good vitamin intake such as fruit, veggies and lots of fresh air to help strengthen the immune system. And most importantly - don't panic!

Sending your child to nursery for the first time and leaving them behind will be almost unbearable at first. None stop flooding the nursery with phone calls to check that they are not crying for you and adapting well... The keyworkers will try their best to encourage you to 'Enjoy some me time'... Me time? Sorry love but separation anxiety is slapping me from left, right and centre, and you are talking to me about 'me time'? Give yourself some 'time' before you are ready for the 'me time' whilst your child isn't around.. And eventually - you will love it, just as much as your little treasure will love the nursery journey and new chapter in their life.