Starting kindergarten: All parents should know these 10 tips

A new start for the whole family. These 10 tips will make the transition easier for children and parents.

Starting kindergarten is a big step - for the whole family. Many mums and dads ask themselves: Is my child ready for this change? What is certain is that the daycare centre is a good basis. There, children learn to temporarily detach themselves from their parents, adapt to new rules and spend time with their peers.

What does my child need to be able to do?

Children in Switzerland start kindergarten between the ages of four and five. This is when most of them fulfil the necessary physical, social, emotional and intellectual requirements for entry. It is best to observe your child. The following questions will help you to categorise the level of development. Can my child:

• get dressed independently?
• manage without parents for several hours?
• run, climb, climb stairs?
• paint, glue, cut with scissors?
• communicate well?
• go to the toilet independently?
• handle toys with care?

Don't be afraid of all the demands: It's completely normal that children are different and develop at different speeds. Nobody has to be perfect. Some people need more time to adapt to new situations. The important thing is to strengthen their self-confidence and independence.

These 10 tips strengthen children:

1. Give time and freedom
   Children should be allowed to do everything they can do themselves. Patience is required here. Don't do everything just because it's quicker. For example, spreading bread, getting dressed or combing hair.
2. Take ideas and suggestions on board and take them seriously
   Take your children's ideas on board and discuss with them how they can be realised. And then it's a case of try, try, try.
3. Let them make their own experiences
   Let children try things out and allow them to make certain decisions themselves.
4. Transfer responsibility
   Children like to help out around the house. For example, they can set the table, clear the dishes or do the shopping.
5. Let them resolve conflicts themselves if possible
   As long as it doesn't get too physical, don't intervene but "let them do it". Then discuss their behaviour and emotions together.
6. Talking about feelings
   Awareness of feelings is the basis for good self-esteem. Talk about them together.
7.  Failures are part of it
   Name defeats and allow children to experience frustration. Let the child try again, this is the only way they can "put away" failures and find their own way.
8. Show genuine interest
   Ask about your child's thoughts, ideas and activities. Genuine enquiry shows them that you take them seriously.
9. Praise correctly
   Never praise the child or their character traits! This means: It's not that you're good, but that you've done well. Behaviour can be changed, character traits less so!
10. Encourage your child
    Encourage your child to try out new things - and if desired, offer help: "Get started, I'll help if you get stuck."