The Preschool Transition

Not long ago, I wrote about some issues that our two year old was having with preschool separation anxiety. Well, that time has passed, and I’m happy to say that the transition to preschool couldn’t have gone better for our youngest.

On the Monday morning of his third week of school he didn’t shed a tear. Not only were there no waterworks, but he also announced to his teachers that he wasn’t going to cry anymore. His teachers gave him such praise that his fellow students soon gathered round to proclaim an end to their tears, too, and to receive their praise in turn. It was quite the inspirational moment. I don’t know about the rest of his flock, but our shepherd has kept a dry eye ever since. I’m truly amazed! Something must have clicked in his two year old head. It certainly helps that he LOVES his teachers, friends and activities.

I’d like to think I had something to do with this quick turn around. I know that boys in general, and my boys in particular, love to have a routine. Our fourth is no exception. Perhaps our morning routine played a part. When we arrive at preschool he gets out of his car seat and sits in my lap in the front seat while we listen to a bit of a book on tape (usually one of the Harry Potters).

I tell him that preschool is about to start and that we need to go in soon. And then I let him decide when to go in. He thinks he ponders for a really long time, but in actuality, the whole thing takes less than a minute. We walk in to the school where we usually find one of his teachers doing their daily art project. Son #4 then gives me a hug and a kiss and sits down to do the project. Voila! Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

This is an easy routine that gives him a sense of control over the situation, especially when HE gets to decide when to go in. His separation anxiety was by far the shortest and least intense of all my boys. What a relief! After what I went through with my “Middles” I totally deserve a break.