The first thing you need to do is research, research, research. Parents who want to do the best for themselves and their child (which includes the vast majority of parents) will want to do lots of homework long before their child does any.

Searching for a quality preschool is essential. Many parents choose the preschool that is closest to their home, but this isn't always the best idea. One of the best sources of advice are other people who have preschool and school aged children. Talk to your friends and learn from their experiences. There are usually several preschools to choose from in any given area (unless you live in a very isolated area), and one or two are bound to be recommended above the others.

Montessori preschools (when they practice genuine Montessori methods) remain one of the best organizations around. But there are some, unfortunately, where the resemblance ends with hanging up the sign. Be sure to meet the teachers personally and ask probing questions that include hypothetical scenarios. Many will be officially registered and affiliated, so ensure you do your homework to find this out first hand.

Another good idea is to visit the preschool while children are present if at all possible. It's also great when children have the chance to go to a preschool orientation day, where they'll meet their future preschool teacher and the other children.

The "big day" can be softened by making an effort for it not to be the first day the child has been away from home without their main caregiver. Many children, along with their parents, will experience separation anxiety when being placed in an unfamiliar environment around people they've never met before. Others see it as an adventure. Children, like adults, are individuals with a wide range of responses.

It's important to try to help make the transition easier for your child. If you have always been your child's primary caregiver, and they have rarely spent time away from you, it's a good idea to spend some time away from your child while a trusted individual cares for him or her. This will pave the way for making preschool a far less traumatic and stressful experience.

If your child is very nervous at being separated from you, don't keep them away from you for too long to start off with. Expand the time from a half hour or so, up to a few hours. During the parent's absence, have the caretaker practice some elementary "lessons" with the child if you feel that's appropriate. Make it a pretend preschool situation, and look at it as both a game, and as a learning experience for your child.

This can be done first inside your home, and then perhaps in another home where you aren't present. This will give your child familiarity in staying with people outside their house.

Of course, some children will already have spent time with babysitters either at home or at the sitter's house, or they'll have spent time in daycare or playgroup. Often the transition to preschool is much easier for children who have had these experiences, but for many children their mother has been the primary caregiver from day one, and they're quite intimidated and afraid being separated from him or her.

This article is excerpted from the Skinny Report "Parenting". Skinny Reports offers a wide variety of information products on topics that matter to you. All Fact, No Fillers. You can download your copy of "Parenting" by visiting http://www.SkinnyReports.com

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