Some children adapt more easily, some have a harder time, but it is important to say that a child’s adaptation also depends on how you as a parent approach this change. Talk to your child about kindergarten positively, without fear. Explain to your child what going to kindergarten will look like, how they will spend their time there, and repeatedly reassure them that mom or dad will come as soon as work is finished.

Do not tell your child that you will wait for them in front of the kindergarten, that you need to go to the store, or that you have other errands. Be brief, clear, and honest: “I have to go to work, but I will come to get you and we will go home together.” It is recommended that separations from your child be as short as possible, with minimal emotional outbursts, because the longer and more intense they are, the more they reveal the parent’s insecurity.

Every day, no matter how young the child is, say goodbye with love, tell them they will have a good time in kindergarten, and remind them when you will come to pick them up. Any further explanation, bargaining, or convincing only creates more confusion in the child’s mind because they sense that even the parent does not control their emotions and that kindergarten does not seem like a safe and good place for their child.

Set aside at least two weeks for your child’s adaptation. Postpone other obligations, take time off work if possible, and come to pick up your child at the agreed time. In the first days, the child stays in kindergarten for a short time, but it is very important that the parent comes exactly when agreed with the educator (for example, in 15 minutes). This creates the feeling from day one that mom or dad will come, while the fear of being left alone is actually the strongest fear the child faces during adaptation.

Get to know your child’s educator and maintain open communication. Share information about your child: what they like, what bothers them, what scares them, and their daily habits. Help your child get used to other people, direct their attention to other children and adults. There is a noticeable difference in the difficulty of adaptation between a child who has spent time with others and a child who has always been only with their parent.

Every big life change is difficult, but the benefits that come from your child going to kindergarten are countless. With a good team of educators and specialists, every adaptation process in Trešnjober kindergartens is successfully completed, and afterward, the stay in kindergarten becomes a joy for everyone.