Starting nursery with a smile

Is your child starting nursery? These top 10 tips will help ensure everything goes smoothly — and keep you calm

Published 01 Apr 2008
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Don’t pretend it’s not happening The more you talk about nursery, the easier it will be. Walk past it so she knows where it is, tell her what she’ll do there and, if she’ll stay for lunch, buy her a lunchbox so she can practise at home first.

Making friends “Get your child used to mixing. Toddler groups or playgroups will boost her confidence and introduce the idea of sharing toys.”

Anne Ellis, Foundation Stage teacher

Getting used to separation If your child isn’t used to being apart from you, try leaving her with a friend or relative for short periods before she starts nursery. Start with half an hour and build up. Collect her on time so she trusts you to return.

Get an early start “On the first day, get up early so you don’t have to rush. If you arrive at nursery feeling calm, so will your child.”

Christie, mum of Freddie, 6, and Adam, 3

Dress code “Dress them in comfy clothes and make sure they can pull clothing down or up easily when they go to the toilet. And label everything!”

Jonelle, mum of Calvin, 4

Spend time at the nursery Expect to stay with your child for at least her first session. Talk her through what the other children are doing, and show her how happy and comfortable you are there.

Settling-in time Don’t expect too much. Some children settle quickly, others take time. Be patient and positive — she will get there!

Saying goodbye “Invent a goodbye ritual to help you both deal with the separation. I give Arissa a kiss and say, ‘I’m going now, Arissa. I’ll see you after lunch. Have a lovely time!’”

Aisha, mum of Arissa, 3, and Daniel, 6 months

Dealing with tears “Don’t think the worst if your child cries when you leave her. You may feel that tears mean your child is unhappy at nursery but, usually, the opposite is the case. The tears are just for you — it’s perfectly natural for your child to protest at the idea of you leaving, but she will settle once you go.”

Dr Mandy Bryon, clinical psychologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London

Winding down Give her time to relax after nursery. When you collect her, she may be tired or grumpy and in need of a nap. Even if not, she — and you — will be grateful for a little post-nursery ‘quiet time’ with a favourite book, toy or DVD.

Find out more

  • Do I Have To Go To School? A First Look At Starting School by Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker (£6.99, Hodder Wayland)

  • Get Ready for… Starting School by Tess Wiltshire (£3.99, Andrew Brodie Publications)

  • Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson (£2.50, Ladybird)

Words: Helen Brown. Illustration: Ana Diaz.