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How to Prepare for Nursery: Tips for First-Time Parents
Starting nursery is a major milestone for both children and parents! It’s a time of excitement, growth, and new experiences, but it can also bring some uncertainty, especially if this is your first time enrolling your child. At Kindred Nurseries, we understand that the transition to nursery can feel a little overwhelming, so we’ve put together some practical tips to help you and your child prepare for this exciting new chapter.
One of the best ways to prepare your child for nursery is by talking about it in a positive and engaging way. Start mentioning nursery a few weeks before their first day, so it doesn’t come as a surprise. Use simple language to describe the fun activities they’ll be doing, the friends they’ll meet, and the friendly grown-ups who will be there to help them. By introducing the idea early, you can create a sense of excitement rather than anxiety.
If possible, bring your child to visit the nursery before their start date. At Kindred, we create a perfect opportunity for this by encouraging families to attend our Open Days, where you can tour the setting, meet the staff, and let your child explore the environment. This helps children become familiar with the space and reduces any fear of the unknown. The more comfortable they are with their surroundings, the easier the transition will be.
Children thrive on routine, and having a predictable schedule in the weeks leading up to nursery will help to ease the transition. Start practicing your morning routine, including waking up, having breakfast, getting dressed, and packing their bag. This will help your child adjust to the nursery’s daily rhythm and minimise any morning stress.
Being well-prepared with the right essentials can make the nursery day smoother for both you and your child. Here’s a handy list of some of the things you may want to pack:
- Comfort items: A favourite cuddly toy, dummy or blanket can provide comfort during moments when they miss home.
- Spare clothes: Accidents happen, and nursery can get messy! So be sure to pack a few sets of extra clothes, including underwear and socks.
- Water bottle: A labeled water bottle will ensure your child stays hydrated throughout the day. Some nurseries may provide this for you, so make sure to check with your nursery manager!
If your child isn’t used to being away from you, it’s helpful to practice short separations ahead of starting nursery. Arrange playdates or leave them with a relative or babysitter for a few hours. This will gradually build their confidence in being away from you, making the transition smoother on the first day of nursery.
It’s normal for children (and parents!) to feel a mix of emotions about starting nursery. Encourage your child to share how they’re feeling and let them know it’s okay to be nervous or excited. You can reassure them by talking about all the fun they’ll have and how proud you are of them for taking this big step.
Saying goodbye can be one of the hardest parts of the nursery day, but establishing a quick and positive goodbye routine can make it easier. Keep your farewells brief and cheerful—reassure them that you’ll be back to pick them up later. Try not to linger, as this can make the separation more difficult.
Why not have a listen to this song, and have a go at learning it yourself… you can even try the Makaton signs!
Words:
It’s time to go, I’ll see you soon,
There’s so much that you will do.
You’ll have great fun, you’ll get to play,
And I’ll come back for you today.
You are loved, you are brave,
Now here’s a hug, and here’s a wave.
In the first few weeks, consistency is key. Try to maintain the same drop-off and pick-up times each day so your child knows what to expect. The more consistent the routine, the sooner your child will feel secure and settled.
It’s important to remember that every child adjusts at their own pace. Some children might feel comfortable right away, while others may take a little longer to settle in. Be patient and supportive, and trust that with time, your child will adapt and thrive in their new nursery environment.
At Kindred Nurseries, our experienced and caring staff are here to support you and your child every step of the way. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to answer your questions, offer reassurance, and make sure your child has a wonderful start to their nursery journey.
Starting nursery is an exciting adventure, and with a little preparation, both you and your child will feel ready and confident. We look forward to welcoming you to our Kindred Nurseries family, where every child’s early years are filled with awe & wonder.
We hope to see you at our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 28th September—a perfect opportunity to experience Kindred Nurseries firsthand. You can meet our team, explore the nursery setting, and ask any questions you might have about the enrollment process. You can book your place by clicking the button below.
