The first day of preschool is a major emotional milestone — not just for children, but for parents too. It’s the first real step into independence, socialisation, and structured learning. While it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, how you handle that first day can shape your child’s attitude toward school.
Here are seven common mistakes parents often make on the first day of preschool — and how to avoid them to make the experience smooth and positive for everyone involved.
1. Dragging Out the Goodbye
Many parents feel the urge to linger — a few extra hugs, peeks through the door, or last-minute instructions. While well-intentioned, prolonged goodbyes can actually increase your child’s anxiety.
What to do instead:
Keep the goodbye short, cheerful, and confident. A warm hug, a smile, and a reassuring “You’re going to have a great day!” is all that’s needed. Most kids settle down faster once parents leave calmly and firmly.
2. Letting Your Own Anxiety Show
It’s completely natural to feel emotional, maybe even tearful, on your child’s first school day. But if your child sees you worried or upset, they may mirror those emotions.
What to do instead:
Project confidence. Even if you’re anxious inside, show enthusiasm on the outside. Tell them how proud you are and how fun their day will be. Save your emotional moment for after drop-off.
3. Skipping the Practice Runs
A lot of first-day tears and confusion happen simply because children don’t know what to expect. New faces, routines, and rules can be overwhelming.
What to do instead:
Do a few “practice” days beforehand. Walk through the school drop-off, talk about classroom routines, and even role-play what they’ll do, from putting their bag away to saying “bye” at the door. Many parents find this especially helpful when enrolling in one of the best preschools in India, where structured routines start from day one.
4. Overpacking Their Bag
Parents often try to pack every “just-in-case” item: toys, snacks, extra clothes, comfort objects, and more. But too many items can confuse your child and make things harder for teachers.
What to do instead:
Stick to the school’s checklist. Include only the essentials, a change of clothes, a water bottle, a snack (if allowed), and maybe one small comfort item. Label everything clearly.
5. Ignoring Your Child’s Sleep and Morning Routine
Waking up late or skipping breakfast can leave your child cranky and unprepared — not ideal for such an important day.
What to do instead:
Start a steady sleep schedule a few days in advance. Wake them up with enough time to go through their morning calmly — eating, getting dressed, and brushing teeth without a rush. A predictable routine eases anxiety and sets a positive tone.
6. Talking Too Much About “Missing Them”
Telling your child you’ll miss them a lot or asking if they’ll miss you too might seem sweet, but it can trigger separation anxiety.
What to do instead:
Focus on the positive. Talk about the fun things they’ll do, the friends they’ll make, and how excited you are to hear all about it later. You can say “I’ll be thinking of you!” without planting the idea that being apart is something to worry about.
7. Not Trusting the Teachers
Some parents feel the need to micromanage everything, especially on day one — constantly checking in, offering detailed instructions, or worrying if the teacher is doing things “right.”
What to do instead:
Remember, preschool teachers are trained professionals. Trust the process. If you’ve chosen the best preschool in Mohali or any other reputable place, your child is in good hands. Communicate respectfully and let the educators do their job. They’ve handled dozens, if not hundreds, of first-day experiences.
Final Thought
Many parents turn to the best preschool in India not just for academics, but for the care, structure, and support offered during big transitions like these. Whether you’re in a metro city or a growing hub like Mohali, choosing a preschool that understands early childhood development can make all the difference. That’s why institutions like EuroKids continue to earn the trust of families across the country.
