How to Make the Preschool Transition Smoother (For You and Your Child)

If your child is starting preschool for the first time, you're likely feeling a lot of emotions right now. Pride. Sadness. Excitement. Uncertainty. You're not alone! Preschool is a huge milestone, not just for your child, but for you, too.

As two pediatric speech-language pathologists (and moms to six kids between us), we’ve lived this transition both personally and professionally. And while the start of preschool can feel overwhelming, it’s an exciting opportunity for your child to grow, explore, and become more independent in small but mighty ways. It’s a bitter sweet step!

This post is here to help. We’re sharing simple ways to ease the transition. Let’s get into it!

1. Start With Books That Talk About School

Young kids thrive on routine and predictability. When they know what’s coming next, they feel more confident navigating new situations. Picture books are an amazing tool for helping them visualize their upcoming school experience.

Whether it’s meeting new friends, learning how the daily routine works, or simply knowing what the classroom looks like, reading stories together can ease big feelings and make preschool feel a little more familiar.

Some favorite titles include:

• Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

• Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

• Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick

• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Make it personal

One of our absolute favorite tools? A custom photo book that shows your child, their school, and their new routine. We love the one from Pinhole Press, which lets you include real photos of your child’s classroom, cubby, teacher, and more. It’s a tangible, visual way to prepare them for the change ahead—plus, kids LOVE seeing themselves in books. It’s so helpful! Psst! Use code HELLOMAMAS for 20% off at Pinhole Press!

2. Create a Special Goodbye Ritual

Separation at drop-off can be one of the hardest parts of the preschool transition, but having a consistent routine and predictable connection point can help your child feel secure.

Avoid the urge to sneak away. Instead, create a quick, predictable goodbye ritual like:

• A fun handshake or high five

• A goodbye rhyme or blessing

• Focusing on the reunion and making a plan for after pickup 

• A mantra like: “You’re safe, you’re strong, and I’ll be back soon”

3. Use Music to Set the Mood

Music can really set the stage for a good day. It can help with calming nerves or pumping up excitement. We find it helps so much! We've created several playlists full of kids’ music that you’ll also enjoy. They’re perfect for car rides and morning routines.

4. Try Role Play and Practice Runs

If your child is nervous about school, pretend play can help them process what to expect. Let your child play both student and teacher. Practice routines like circle time, snack time, or lining up.

You can also take a few practice drives or walks to the school, play on the school playground (if it’s open to the public), or talk through what drop-off and pick-up will look like. Familiarity breeds confidence.

5. Support Social and Emotional Skills

Preschool is about so much more than academics. It’s a time for learning to take turns, express big feelings, and ask for help.

You can support this by narrating social situations, modeling emotional vocabulary, and role-playing common scenarios with your child. These little moments at home go a long way in helping them navigate preschool with more confidence. We go more in depth here. 

You’re Doing a Great Job

The transition to preschool can be full of big feelings, but also lots of joy and growth. With a few simple tools and a whole lot of love, you and your child can navigate this season with more confidence.

You’ve got this. We’re cheering you on!