Sending your child to an infant development center can give you sleepless nights. Preparing yourself and the child for this significant milestone can make the transition less stressful. This phase can be challenging and exciting for both parents and children, but you can make it easy and build your child’s confidence by following a few simple steps.
This blog provides you with simple tips and strategies that help you prepare your child for professional childcare and address a few challenges.
Preparing Your Child for Infant Care
Infant programme in Singapore is designed to cater to the needs of infants aged between 2 and 18 months. The care centers follow this programme to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child to grow, learn, and develop under the watchful eyes of professional care providers. The right preparation will reduce stress and provide peace of mind for you and your infant.
The first thing you need to do is pack your infant’s bag. The necessary things that you need to put in the bag should include:
- Milk bottle: Pick a bottle that your child loves and label it with your child’s name for easy recognition in infant development. Fill it with breast milk or formula milk, depending on the child’s feeding needs. If your child is still on breastmilk, pack it in labeled bags and place it with ice packs to maintain the right temperature. If the child is on formula, provide a pre-measured formula that is enough for the day.
- Water bottle: If your child has started to drink water, you can pack a water bottle filled with water. Put the name of your child on the bottle’s label.
- Baby food: If you have started with solids for your child, prepare meals and pack them in labeled containers. Don’t forget to pack spoons and a fork. You must consider your child’s preference for an easy transition.
- Extra clothes: Pick a comfortable set of clothes. They may be useful if your child has spilled or soiled the pair that they are in. You can consult the infant school in Singapore to learn more about their guidelines. Do not forget to pack extra diapers to last the entire day. The number of diapers your child needs will vary. Packing one or two additional diapers would be preparing for any unforeseen circumstances or changes.
Preparing Your Child for Nursery or Kindergarten
Children between the ages of 18 months and 7 years are part of the early education and development programme. The child begins to explore the world and take tiny steps towards becoming an independent learner. You can help your child with an early education and development programme by following a few steps, such as:
1.Talking about preschool
You can introduce the concept of preschool to your child. You can also discuss the fun activities they will be taking part in at the best infantcare centers in Singapore. Making new friends and exploring the world around them are a few other aspects that you can share with your child.
2.Read books or watch videos about preschool
Introduce your child to the books and videos that depict preschool settings in a positive light. It will help the child understand that being away from home is routine.
3.Encourage independence
You can encourage the child to do things for themselves, like dressing and eating. It will boost their confidence and prepare them for self-care, which they need to do in preschool.
4.Visit the preschool beforehand
Visit the childcare center with your child before your child starts attending. It will help the child become familiar with their surroundings and teachers. They would become more comfortable and could observe other children engaged in various activities. You can meet the teacher and share any special needs of your child, if any. Further, you can share your concerns and anxieties which will help in collaborating on strategies for a smooth transition for the child.
5.Share important information
Provide your child with basic information, like key phone numbers and pickup times. It aids in a smooth transition and understanding of their daily routine.
6.Pack a comfort toy
You can pack a soft toy or a blanket. It will provide comfort in the new, unfamiliar environment.
7.Practice being apart
You need to keep the child away from you for small intervals. You can leave them with a family member or a trusted friend, which will give them the idea of staying away from you.
8.Stay calm
You need to stay calm, as your child understands your emotions. It will be a form of assurance and allow them to associate with the new environment.
Common Challenges
Most parents face a few challenges during the initial phase of preschool. Knowing about these issues will prepare you and allow you to handle your child in a better manner. The most common issues include:
- Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is a common issue with kids starting preschool. It is temporary, and you can be assured that you will return to pick up the child.
- Behavioral changes: throwing tantrums and mood swings are common issues that the child shows while adapting to a new environment. You need to understand the child and patiently explain that preschool is a fun place and the child would have a good time at that place.
- Difficulty in making friends: A child may not mingle with other kids and make friends due to shyness. You can encourage them to interact with their peers and guide them toward making friends.
Preparing the child for an infant development programme will smoothen the transition. If you want the process to be smoother, you can follow a few tips, which will surely make it easy for the child and you. Some of the tips are:
1.Talking to the child
Encourage your child to communicate and share their feelings (such as fears and concerns) with you. You can offer them support and comfort, which will boost their confidence.
2.Help the child develop coping skills.
You can teach various techniques, like deep breathing, to manage stress and anxiety in your absence.
3.Be patient and understanding.
Support your child and encourage them by rewarding them for their efforts.
4.Get involved
Attend parent-teacher meetings and develop a good relationship with the teacher and staff. It helps in keeping good track of a child’s performance and knowing more about actions to help boost the child’s performance.
5.Daily conversations
Encourage your child to share their daily experiences. It will help in establishing a strong bond and, at the same time, help in understanding issues bothering the kid.
You need professional infant care services and a child development center for a better educational journey. A teacher’s training will prepare the child to enter formal education and move forward in life.
Proper support and following a few tips will help you settle the child in the preschool center with ease. Reducing stress and managing anxiety will reduce stress and allow the child to adjust at a faster pace. This formal setup will prepare the child for the future and also create curiosity and interest in studies.
Enrolling the child in an infant programme will be great, especially if you don’t have time to watch over them. You have the option to enroll them for a half-day, full-day, or flexible schedule. You can choose from the many options available to enjoy the benefits of professional infant care services.
