You have had sleepless nights, changed diapers, and handled multiple tantrums. It is time you set your little bird free. They will have to roam the earth without you. Those first years were a little bit stressful, but you managed to survive.

Another exciting phase of their lives is about to begin. Packing lunch and helping out with homework will be your next responsibility. However, not all children are ready for preschool. You have to make sure that you do not enroll your child when they are not well prepared to take on the new life. Here are 5 signs that your toddler is ready for preschool and 5 signs that they are not.

10. Ready: They Can Spend Time Away From You

You have noticed that some children often cry a lot on their first day of school. They are suffering from separation anxiety because they are not used to time away from their parents. It is essential to make sure that your child does not have a hard time being away from you.

This way, they can manage to stay in school without having any issues with the teacher or other kids. Once in awhile leave them in a relative’s house or hire a babysitter to watch them. It will help them be more independent.

9. Not Ready: They Are Neither Potty Trained Nor Independent

It is normal if he slips up once in a while, but most times, he makes it to the loo. Can your child feed themselves? Can they take off clothes and button their shirts? Can they tie their shoelaces?

All these are questions you have to ask yourself before you determine whether your child is ready for preschool. If all answers are ‘No,’ then you have to think twice before taking your child to school. Not only will it be a burden to the teachers, but it also causes embarrassment to your child. They can be a target for bullies and laughing stocks. To save your child from this kind of trauma, continue training them at home.

8. Ready: They Do Not Need Diapers Anymore

One of the requirements for preschool is your child has to be potty trained. This makes them have a comfortable time at school and also with their peers. You don’t want your child to be laughed at by their peers, as this would cause a negative attitude towards school.

Some schools are rigorous when it comes to children who have been potty trained. For the sake of the teacher, you should train your toddler first before taking him to preschool. If your child isn’t well potty trained, it is advisable to put an extra pair of pants in his bag in case of any accidents.

7. Not Ready: They Find It Hard Following Instructions And Directions

Children go to school to learn, but they should have the capability of listening to the teacher’s instructions. It is hard to teach a child who needs guidance in the most basic directions. For example, ‘remove your coat,’ ‘clap your hands,’ ‘pass the pencil,’ ‘run outside’ and ‘take out your book’ are simple instructions.

At least they should manage to listen and follow some instructions the teacher gives. Most children by this age can manage to listen to adults, but if yours is having a hard time, there is no need to worry. Children learn at their own pace.

6. Ready: Independent Behavior

Independent behavior means your child can take care of themselves at a certain level. They can feed and dress. The teacher is responsible for so many kids so they cannot take care of children who are not independent.

If your child is confident enough to do things on their own, then they are ready to start learning. They can be fussy or messy, but at least he should feed himself during lunchtime. It is always hard for the first few days, but later on, they will make new friends, and life goes on.

5. Not Ready: They Cannot Handle You Leaving Them

Can your child tell you goodbye and walk away? It is both exciting and sad, seeing your child go to school for the first day. However, separation affects children on a whole other level. The first person they came to contact with was you, who has taken good care of them.

You have guided them all this time, and now they are being released into another whole new world. For them, it is as if they are learning to walk again. Leaving your child in a play date, church, or in a relative’s place can ease the separation anxiety.

4. Ready: They Can Socialize With Other Children

Children have to interact once they go to preschool. It is suitable for your child to know how to share, listen, and ask politely. They should at least learn not to get angry and start fighting with their peers after an argument.

Promoting the art of communication is usually enhanced during playdates when they visit their relatives and, of course, by the parents. If they are shy, continue to encourage them to socialize with other children. Remember, you are introducing your kids to a whole new world where all attention is not on them, which also has people with all types of personalities.

3. Not Ready: Their Communication And Interaction Is Very Poor

As much as some children are outgoing and social most children are reserved. It is very reasonable to be shy, especially during the first days of school because of the new environment or new faces. Can your child tell the teacher when they are not ok?

If your child cannot communicate when they need to take a potty break, they might not be ready. Your child should feel at ease when communicating their wants and need to other adults and teachers.

2. Ready: They Have Enough Energy To Complete A Whole School Day

Have you ever noticed how two hours in a class seem like 5 hours? This is how it is going to be for your toddler. These will no longer be the good old days where they watch TV whenever they feel like and play the whole day. They will have to study the entire day and follow a timetable.

You have to determine whether your child can complete a whole day without getting angry and fussy. Can they make it to nap time? If your child has this kind of stamina, then they are ready for preschool.

1. Not Ready: They Cannot Work Together In A Group

Group work is everything when it comes to school. They teach them how to work together to achieve a specific goal. Even as an adult, you know that working together with other people is very hard. Can your child play with other kids? Can your child share with other kids? Can your child wait for his/her turn?

However, if you have concluded that your child cannot start preschool, do not beat yourself up. All children have different growth patterns and will eventually reach their time.