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Give confidence to your child
Tell him about themother. Give him a glimpse of the interest he may find there, but don’t paint him too idyllic a picture of school, or he may be disappointed. And no need to broach the subject every day. The child lives in the present, with very few temporal landmarks. You can also find him a comrade for the D-day. In the neighborhood, you probably know a child who will be entering the same class, or at least the same school as yours. Invite him once or twice, make a date with his mother in the square, make them meet. The idea of finding a boyfriend on D-Day will give him courage.
Improve your child’s self-esteem
Don’t miss an opportunity to congratulate him on his progress, without doing too much: if you tell him all the time that he is a big one, he may think that you overestimate him, which does not reassure him. Also explain to him that all children his age are like him, that they have never been to school before and are a little afraid of it. On the other hand, avoid remarks like “when the maîtresse will see that you put your fingers in your nose, she will get angry! ” Blackmailing him about school will only serve to distress him. Find another way to help her quit her little quirks.
Teach your child autonomy
Make it a habit, every morning, to dressing himself and putting on his shoes, even if it’s not perfect. Of course, at the return, he will still need help, but if he knows how to put on his coat and pull up his pants, it will be easier. As a general rule, ATSEMs, nursery carers, accompany children to the little corner, help them unbutton and button again, but let them wipe themselves off. Show him how to wipe himself, teach him how to do it himself and then wash his hands. Also encourage him to be attentive to his belongings, to remember where he has put them: you will help him to manage his school packs independently, without systematically forgetting a cap and waistcoat in the yard.
Teach your child to love group life
Sign up for a few mornings at the beach club, kids’ club, or local daycare. Explain to him that he will be playing with other children and that you will not be far away. If he’s having a hard time letting go, organize a weekend with friends with their kids. While the adults are chatting, the children meet up with each other. He will quickly be drawn into the rhythm of the band and will discover the attraction of life with friends. You can also send it for a few days to its Grand parents, an auntie or a friend that he knows and enjoys, preferably with other children. He will feel empowered to have taken a few days of vacation without you. He will approach the start of the school year with a new sense of self-esteem, and the feeling of being a grown-up!