Adaptation of a child in kindergarten: advice from a psychologist

Any child’s introduction to kindergarten is a significant milestone, and it can be a difficult adjustment for both children and parents. It’s an exciting time full of novel routines, social encounters, and experiences that occasionally feel overwhelming. As parents, you may be wondering how to help your child adjust to this change more easily and comfortably.

This post will discuss helpful tips from psychologists to make your child’s transition to kindergarten easier. We’ll cover important topics to support your child on their new journey, from comprehending typical emotional reactions to putting helpful strategies into practice at home.

We want to help you and your child have the best possible experience during this time of change by responding to worries and providing helpful advice. Continue reading to learn how to give your child more confidence and enthusiasm for their upcoming kindergarten experience.

The problem of adaptation

For kids, kindergarten is a brand-new chapter in their lives. Here, group communication is especially important for kids. Many kids view a new environment and unfamiliar people negatively.

Before kindergarten, most kids cry. Some people are readily involved, but others need convincing to go because they are erratic and cry before going to kindergarten. Some people also cry at home in the evening. Older kids adjust to new situations more quickly and easily.

• Fear associated with a new environment (children under 3 years old need double care). The child is accustomed to home, a calm atmosphere, next to his mother. But when he gets to an unknown place, with certain rules of behavior and a daily routine, he has a hard time, he experiences stress. Kindergarten instills discipline, which the child did not adhere to at home before.
• Excess of emotions. In kindergarten, children receive many new positive and negative impressions, they can get tired and because of this become nervous, whiny and capricious.
• Inability to take care of oneself.
• The child is not psychologically ready. The reasons may be in individual developmental characteristics. Often this happens due to lack of closeness with the mother.
• The effect of a negative first impression. It affects the child"s stay in this institution.
• Rejection of your child by the kindergarten staff. Unfortunately, this is also possible.

Types of adaptation

When there is a mismatch between our capabilities and the demands of the environment, adaptation is a necessary process.

Three primary categories of adaptation exist:

• creative style, personality, actively changes and adapts the environment to itself;
• conformist style, with this style a person has to get used to and adapt to the environment;
• avoidance style, in which a person tries to avoid solving a problem, due to unwillingness or inability to change something.

The avoidance style is thought to be the least effective, while the creative style is thought to be the most effective.

Additionally, there are three degrees of severity for the process of adaptation:

• Mild adaptation — ​​behavior returns to normal within 10 to 15 days; there is a standardized weight gain, the child behaves as expected in a group, attending kindergarten, is not susceptible to illnesses; does not quarrel, going to kindergarten with his mother. Such children rarely get sick, but adaptation does not pass without a trace, breakdowns are possible;
• Moderate adaptation — ​​the adaptation process lasts up to two months, short-term weight loss is possible, mental stress is likely. The child sometimes cries, but not for long. In most cases, diseases are bypassed.
• Severe adaptation lasts up to six months; children often get sick, skills and abilities disappear; the body weakens both physically and psychologically. At this time, children"s appetite may worsen, sleep and urination may be disturbed. The child"s mood changes dramatically, he becomes capricious. Such a child does not talk in kindergarten and does not play with anyone. It is unacceptable to let this situation take its course, otherwise the child may be subject to nervous diseases and disorders. If the adaptation process drags on for a whole year, you need to contact specialists. Perhaps, changing kindergartens will be the solution to the problem.

Psychologist"s advice

Initially, you need to find out what exactly is preventing your child from adapting to kindergarten. An obvious problem is quite easy to solve. But it happens that you are faced with a whole range of disguised problems that you cannot cope with on your own. In such a situation, it would be right to ask for help from a professional psychologist. You need to understand what experiences children experience during the adaptation process in order to neutralize the negative and emphasize the positive. From negative emotions, fear, anger and resentment can be distinguished. From the positive ones – joy, pleasure from new impressions and acquaintances, a sense of satisfaction from independent actions.

Three hours is a good starting point rather than leaving your child in kindergarten for the entire day. In order to prevent the child from feeling abandoned, it is imperative that he be informed of the precise time of your return. Decide on the child’s plan of action in your absence. It is preferable to part ways with a laugh and a joke. Just remember not to consider crying uncontrollably just before you leave. To ensure the child doesn’t feel alone, let him bring his favorite toy.

Allowing a grandmother, aunt, or other relative to drop your child off at kindergarten is a simple yet effective trick. In this scenario, saying goodbye will be simpler to do.

Surely, you should share in this new phase of your lives together. Inquire about anything and everything from engaging games to new friends. Assistance when needed, recognition for accomplishments. Describe your deep sadness in his absence. It is important for kids to know that they are not alone and that they are supported. Stress how mature and self-sufficient he has grown, and how he now has obligations to fulfill, just like his parents. Talk about the positive experiences you had visiting the kindergarten before lights out, and make plans to repeat them the following day. It is preferable to put the child to bed earlier so that waking him up for kindergarten will be easier.

For young children, going to kindergarten can be a big step, so it’s important to know how to make the transition easier for them. According to a psychologist’s advice, in order to help your child feel safe and confident in their new surroundings, it’s critical to emotionally prepare them, create a routine, and keep lines of communication open. This methodology not only facilitates their emotional adaptation but also cultivates a constructive commencement to their academic pursuits.

Common mistakes of parents

One of the most frequent errors is not wanting to acknowledge the issue or not being ready for the possibility that the child will react negatively. Sometimes parents assume these are just the child’s whims, a means to get attention. Many people say things like, "I went, and everything is fine," forgetting that they were also under stress at first. When a child refuses to follow instructions, eat, or sleep, parents are unprepared. This frequently results in errors that are corrected with reprimands or punishment, which makes matters worse.

Relying too much on the teachers and decreasing parental attention to the child’s problems, believing that kindergarten is a safe place, are other common mistakes. The young child might feel abandoned and that no one needs him. When a child is left alone and under stress, he may react with unwarranted aggression in an effort to defend himself, or he may withdraw, become tense, and become detached.

As previously stated, parting should be enjoyable and humorous. Moms will occasionally try to leave when their baby is occupied. The baby knows that his mother has left and does not know when she will return after he finishes his business. He is extremely afraid of this situation because he believes he could be left alone at any time, which can lead to serious psychological trauma.

It is inappropriate to offer a prize for simply attending kindergarten. The child may then resort to blackmail as a result of this. But it’s advised to give praise for exceptional kindergarten deeds or for something particular. Additionally, you shouldn’t voice your displeasure with the kindergarten or its teachers in front of the child because that could give the impression that the kindergarten is a bad place and make the baby feel uncomfortable.

Changing the baby’s surroundings quickly is not allowed. Adjustment ought to be seamless and deliberate. It is inappropriate for the baby’s daily routine and habits to change suddenly. Certain mental disorders can be brought on by any of these conditions.

Recommendations for parents on preparing a child for kindergarten

• Do not talk in front of the child about problems associated with the kindergarten.
• Only a completely healthy child should be sent to kindergarten.
• Do not start going to kindergarten at the peak of the three-year crisis.
• Introduce a routine at home similar to the daily routine in kindergarten.
• Increase the importance of hardening.
• Introduce the child in advance to the children and the teacher of the kindergarten he will go to.
• Give the baby a positive attitude about kindergarten.
• "Reveal the secret" to the child about special communication skills.
• Already at home, you need to teach the baby to take care of himself.
• Do not scare the child with kindergarten (if you behave badly, then you will go to kindergarten).
• Explain to the child that temporary separation is inevitable only because he has become older.
• Do not show your excitement and anxiety before entering kindergarten.
• Plan your vacation so that in the first month of attending kindergarten you can pick him up from there early.
• Constantly remind your child of your unconditional love for him.

At what age is it better to send him to kindergarten?

Experts agree that a child is best served by attending kindergarten when they are three or even four years old. A child starts to feel the need to actively engage with other kids after three years. Furthermore, children typically start to speak more clearly, learn how to bargain, and interact with one another by the time they are three years old. Additionally, they can already tell you about their day, including what made them happy or upset.

Naturally, each person is unique, and not everyone is able to take an extended maternity leave. A younger group or a group for a short stay would be an alternate choice. These kinds of groups exist in practically every kindergarten.

For kids and parents alike, adjusting to kindergarten is a significant milestone. It’s common for children to experience a mixture of anxiety and excitement as they begin this new chapter. However, with the correct assistance, this change can turn into a rewarding and enriching experience.

Establishing a routine at home is crucial to a seamless transition. Children feel more comfortable and prepared for their kindergarten day when they have structure and familiarity. They will also be able to handle this transition more easily if you listen to them and encourage open communication.

Recall that each child adjusts at their own rate. Be encouraging and patient while acknowledging little accomplishments along the road. If problems do occur, consulting a psychologist or other expert can offer comfort and additional tactics.

Overall, your child will feel much more at ease and content in their new kindergarten setting if you take a loving approach and exercise a little patience.

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