Children are just like adults – some are shyer, and more introverted, while others are naturally friendlier, and find it easier to integrate with other children and new situations, like preschool. If your child is shy, then it’s important that you reassure him or her that it’s perfectly okay to be nervous around other children.
When your child is shy, exposing him or her to a busy, crowded preschool might not be the best idea. It’s usually wiser to find a small, quieter play group, and gradually ease him or her into the idea of having children and other people around.
Children who are shy also tend to take longer to play with other children. So if you or the caregivers at the playgroup notice that your child plays by him or herself, rather than with or near other children, don’t worry – it is normal.
Another good idea is to visit the new school your child will be attending a few times before he or she starts there, so that your child can acclimatise to the new surroundings. You might also like to find out if there are any children who will be in your child’s class who live near you. That way, you can arrange one on one play dates before your child starts at the preschool, to give him or her time to make friends before the big day.
If the school allows it, staying for a while on the first day may be a good idea. Help your child to find a toy, project or activity, and to observe how he or she adjusts. When it is time to leave, remember to give your child a big hug, and reassure him or her that you’ll be back soon. If you do choose this option, be sure to run it by your child’s teacher first – some preschools prefer parents not to stay.
Even if your child never becomes the life of the party, and even if it takes him or her longer to adjust to new settings, like preschool, you can be sure that eventually, he or she will bond with his or her teacher and classmates, and preschool will become a fun activity.
When your child is shy, exposing him or her to a busy, crowded preschool might not be the best idea. It’s usually wiser to find a small, quieter play group, and gradually ease him or her into the idea of having children and other people around.
Children who are shy also tend to take longer to play with other children. So if you or the caregivers at the playgroup notice that your child plays by him or herself, rather than with or near other children, don’t worry – it is normal.
Another good idea is to visit the new school your child will be attending a few times before he or she starts there, so that your child can acclimatise to the new surroundings. You might also like to find out if there are any children who will be in your child’s class who live near you. That way, you can arrange one on one play dates before your child starts at the preschool, to give him or her time to make friends before the big day.
If the school allows it, staying for a while on the first day may be a good idea. Help your child to find a toy, project or activity, and to observe how he or she adjusts. When it is time to leave, remember to give your child a big hug, and reassure him or her that you’ll be back soon. If you do choose this option, be sure to run it by your child’s teacher first – some preschools prefer parents not to stay.
Even if your child never becomes the life of the party, and even if it takes him or her longer to adjust to new settings, like preschool, you can be sure that eventually, he or she will bond with his or her teacher and classmates, and preschool will become a fun activity.
