Ready, Set, Nursery: Five Tips to Prepare Your Child for Nursery

By Siobhan Wyper & Jasmin Hagen

Sending your child to nursery is an exciting milestone, marking the beginning of their educational journey. Embarking on the journey of preparing your child for nursery is a truly rewarding endeavor that demands dedication and time. Setting the stage for a smooth transition to nursery is crucial for your child's emotional well-being and development. However, it's natural for both parents and children to experience a mix of emotions during this transition. As you prepare to take this exciting step, here are five tips to help you and your child embrace this new chapter. These tips will focus on building foundations, nurturing routines, growing connections, empowering and encouraging your child, and the importance of communication.

1. Building Foundations

Before your child starts nursery, it is important to build a strong foundation for their learning and social development. Engage in activities that promote cognitive skills, such as identifying colors, shapes, and numbers. Bangkok offers various child-friendly attractions where parents can take their children, such as the Children's Discovery Museum or Kidzoona, where they can learn through interactive play and exploration. In addition, parents can explore local parks like Lumpini Park or Benjakitti Park, where children can enjoy outdoor activities and develop their confidence in unfamiliar settings.

2. Nurturing Routine

Establishing a predictable routine is essential for children's sense of security and comfort. Begin introducing a structured schedule a few weeks before nursery starts. This can include regular wake-up times and morning routines that might resemble the experiences they will have on school mornings. In addition to this, having set meal times, consistent bedtimes, and dedicated playtime are all invaluable in helping children to settle into new routines.

3. Growing Connections

Building connections with other parents before your child joins nursery can be beneficial for both you and your child. Seek out local parent groups or online communities specific to Bangkok, where you can connect with fellow parents. By fostering these relationships, you can arrange playdates or meetups to allow your child to socialize with peers before starting nursery. Some online platforms like Meetup or Facebook groups can help you connect with other parents in your area. 

4. Empower and Encourage

Empowering your child and fostering their independence will help them adjust to nursery life. Encourage them to take responsibility for simple tasks, such as dressing themselves, waiting for a turn with something, or tidying up their toys. Engage in age-appropriate activities that promote confidence and self-expression, like art classes or music lessons. Bangkok offers a range of creative and educational classes tailored to different age groups, allowing your child to explore their interests and talents.

5. Talk, Talk, Talk

Open and continuous communication with your child is crucial in alleviating the possibility of separation anxiety. Talk positively about nursery, highlighting the fun activities and new friends they will make. Read books such as “Preschool Day Hooray!” or “Froggy Goes to School” and watch videos together that discuss the nursery experience. Visit the nursery with your child if possible, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the environment and meet their teachers in advance. Bangkok has several nurseries that provide opportunities for parents and children to visit and have orientation sessions, and ease the transition process.

Preparing your child for nursery in Bangkok requires careful planning and support. By following these five tips—building foundations, nurturing routines, growing connections, empowering and encouraging your child, and maintaining open communication—you can ensure a positive and successful transition to nursery life. Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child's individual needs and preferences. With your guidance and support, your child will thrive on their nursery journey, and create lasting memories and friendships along the way.

Photos from Canva.

About the Authors

Siobhan Wyper, head of Preparatory School and Jasmin Hagen, head of Early Years are driving forces at Brighton College Bangkok. With over two decades of educational experience, Siobhan fosters holistic growth, blending academic excellence with character development. Jasmin, with her profound understanding of early childhood, nurtures curiosity and exploration in the Early Years program.