5 tips for preparing your child for nursery

Are you about to entrust your child to a nursery and wondering how to make this transition easier? Are you asking yourself what the best ways are to prepare your little one for this big change? Starting nursery is an important milestone in your child's and your family's life. Let's discover how to best prepare for this new adventure.

1. Familiarise your child with the nursery environment

The first step in preparing your child for nursery is to gradually familiarise them with this new environment.
Here are a few suggestions to help you do so:

Visit the nursery together: arrange several visits to the nursery with your child before the big day. This will allow them to become familiar with the space, the smells, the sounds, and the faces of the staff.

Talk to them about nursery in a positive way: describe the activities they will be able to do, the games available, and the new friends they will be able to make.

Use books or games: read them stories on the theme of nursery, or play at pretending to go to nursery to gently ease them in.

According to a study conducted by the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), gradual familiarisation with the new environment can significantly reduce separation stress in young children.
Do not hesitate to find out more to see whether you are eligible for a place in a private nursery.

2. Establish a settling-in period

The settling-in period is a crucial phase for a successful start at nursery. It allows your child to gradually get used to their new environment and the people who will be looking after them.
Here is how to go about it:

Start with short visits: stay with your child for an hour or two during the first few days.

Gradually increase the length of time: little by little, extend the time spent at nursery, with your absences growing longer.

Be patient: every child adapts at their own pace. Some will need more time than others.

A study published in the Revue française des affaires sociales showed that children who had benefited from a well-managed settling-in period showed fewer signs of stress and integrated more easily into nursery life.

3. Prepare a comfort object

A comfort object, also known as a "security blanket" or "cuddly toy", can greatly help your child feel secure in this new environment.
Here are a few tips:

Choose a familiar object: this could be a toy, a soft toy, or a small piece of fabric that your child is particularly fond of.

Make sure the object is allowed: check with the nursery that the chosen object is accepted and meets safety rules.

Explain to your child the role of this object: tell them that this comfort toy is there to reassure them when you are not around.

The French child psychiatrist Bernard Golse has highlighted the importance of the comfort object in the child's process of separation and individuation.

4. Establish a separation routine

A clear and consistent separation routine can help your child feel more secure at goodbye time. Here is how to go about it:

Create a ritual: for example, a cuddle, a kiss, and a reassuring phrase that you repeat each time.

Keep it brief and positive: prolonged goodbyes can increase your child's anxiety.

Don't slip away without saying goodbye: always say goodbye to your child, even if they are crying. This strengthens their trust in you.

A study published in the journal Enfances & Psy showed that children whose parents had established a clear separation routine adapted more easily to nursery.

5. Communicate with the nursery team

Good communication with the nursery team is essential for ensuring a smooth transition.
Here are a few points to discuss:

• Share your child's habits: inform the team about their sleep routines, food preferences, favourite games, and so on.
• Talk about your concerns: do not hesitate to voice your worries and ask all your questions.
• Keep yourself informed: regularly ask for updates on how your child is settling in.

A study carried out by the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) demonstrated that the quality of communication between parents and nursery staff had a positive impact on the child's settling in and overall wellbeing.

Starting nursery marks the beginning of a new adventure for your family. This milestone represents a unique opportunity for your child's development. With kindness and the right tools, this change can become a positive and enriching experience.