Starting nursery school is an exciting and scary time for young children. Kids develop academically, psychologically and socially at their own pace.
Children who can recognize letters and numbers, communicate clearly, and play well with other children are on track for nursery in Glasgow.
Vaccinations
Vaccination is one of the best and safest ways to protect your children against diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend following a specific vaccine schedule.
These vaccines equip your child’s immune system to fight off 15 diseases. These include hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae type b, polio and pneumococcal disease.
Practice Good Hygiene
Children should practice good hygiene, including showering regularly, brushing teeth and trimming fingernails. Practicing these habits at a young age will help them develop healthy routines that they’ll carry into adulthood.
Food hygiene is also essential. Kids should wash their hands before and after eating to prevent germs from spreading to their mouth and nose. They should also wash their hands after using the bathroom and before touching their face.
Plenty Of Sleep
A consistent amount of nightly sleep is linked to improved learning, behaviour, memory, and the ability to control emotions. Kids that do not get enough sleep can become easily distracted and may struggle with concentration in school.
Your child needs sleep to recharge, keeping their brain and mental stability healthy to learn and develop. It has a direct effect on their mood, which can have a negative impact on their socialising skills.
Encourage Physical Activity
Children need to be physically active for optimal health. But kids also need to eat well so that they have the energy to learn. High energy treats should be saved for special occasions and eaten in moderation.
Encourage physical activity at home by playing games such as hopscotch or using sidewalk chalk to create squares or a centipede. You can also take your kids on a nature walk, hike or bike ride.
Communication
If your child feels safe and loved, they will be more likely to make healthy choices. Talk openly with them about your values, family rules and expectations.
Discussing the transition to nursery can help your child feel prepared. If you are concerned about your child’s readiness, speak with your paediatrician.
Talk about everyday things when your children are calm, such as during mealtime or after playtime. Use simple, age-appropriate language and call your children by their names when talking to them. Avoid using reward-based discipline, which does not promote trust and can lead to conflict down the road.
Amelia Hartwell specializes in lifestyle and culture reporting, providing readers with useful tips on travel, entertainment, and everyday hacks. She blends research-driven insights with engaging storytelling.