Transitioning Into Preschool - What to Do If Your Child Kicks and Screams

You worked hard to prepare your child for their first day of preschool, but that despite her brave face, she still struggles to walk through that door without you. Some children have a very hard on the first day, especially if this is your first experience of school. Do not worry. I'll tell you about one of the toughest kids I helped the transition into the classroom, as proof that your child does, too.

Mackenzie was probably the hardest time transitioning from his peers. She held onto his mother so hard that we were not sure we could spread. Mackenzie's little fingers were tangled in her hair and her mother's legs wrapped tightly around the waist of her mother. Mackenzie had older brothers, so his mother knew what to expect. Although she hated to see their child so upset, she knew she could not give in.


He took two teachers to peel off his mother's Mackenzie. When I finally got in the classroom, she threw on the floor and cried very hard. My teaching partner and put her out on her lap in the circle. She rubbed the back of Mackenzie, smoothed his hair and reassured her that mommy would be back soon.

Mackenzie took about half an hour finally stop crying. When she realized that she was there to stay, she was allowed to explore what was going on around her. That was Monday. Our class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday morning, Mackenzie behaved the exact same way she did on Monday. Still took two of us to peel it from her mother and half hour to calm her down. Friday felt a little progress because they required only a teacher to get into the room and she calmed down in about 15 minutes.

On Monday was bad again. After being home for two straight days with his family, she was eager to return to school. After that, got a day a little easier. It took probably a full month, but eventually, she stepped into the classroom alone with a big smile on his face. In those days we would say how proud we were that she stepped in as a big girl and brought her smile to school.

So please do not get all worked up if your child takes some time to adjust. The more she sees her optimism and enthusiasm that she get together, happen faster. Reassure him that she is safe, you always come back, and once she calms down, she will love school.