Starting nursery is both an important beginning and a significant ending. It marks the start of a child’s experience within a wider community and a period of active exploration of the world around them. At the same time, it signals the end of a stage in which the child has been primarily exposed to the family environment.

From our daily experience working with children and parents in the Avenor Nursery community, we know that this moment comes with many emotions and questions—for young children, but especially for adults.

One thing is very clear: preparing for nursery is not only about the child; it is about the whole family.

Very often, children simply reflect their parents’ emotional state. As long as adults are not ready to take this step, children will mirror their worries and hesitations.

Preparing for Nursery Starts with Parents

Before a child walks into a classroom for the first time, the process actually begins at home – with the decisions, questions, and emotions of the adults around them. If you are not sure where to start, don’t worry. Make a list that includes at least some of the actions below, and you will immediately feel more prepared:

  • Research the nursery options available and learn about the key differences between educational approaches and systems. You may be surprised by how much a well-guided two- or three-year-old can learn.
  • Visit nurseries to see the facilities, but more importantly, to meet the people who will be caring for your child.
  • Speak with parents whose children already attend nursery and learn from their experiences.
  • Talk together as a family about starting nursery. Share your feelings and expectations about this new stage, while also considering the practical aspects. Try making a journey to and from the nursery to get a sense of what the daily routine will be like.
  • Attend workshops and events on early childhood education. Parents also need to learn what this new stage means in order to understand how best to support their children.

How Children Prepare for Nursery

While parents prepare by gathering information and making decisions, children prepare by gradually becoming familiar with new people, environments, and routines. Here are some practical ways to support this process:

  • Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to spend time in social environments with other children, such as parks, playgrounds, workshops, and birthday parties.
  • Visit nurseries together. These visits are especially valuable when children have the opportunity to spend some time playing in the environment.
  • Include your child in conversations about nursery and explain, in age-appropriate language, what starting or changing nursery will involve.
  • Gradually introduce them to their new peer group and environment.
  • Be present and supportive when they find the settling-in period challenging, helping them understand and manage their emotions.
  • Encourage open conversations about what they enjoy and what they enjoy less. It is perfectly normal for children to have experiences that fall into both categories.
  • Show confidence in your child’s teachers in front of your child. Any differences between expectations and educational approaches should be addressed separately, so that your child feels reassured that they are in safe and capable hands.

What to Realistically Expect During the First Weeks of Nursery

  • New beginnings can be difficult, and settling into nursery is no exception. Even when things appear to be going well, you may notice behavioural changes such as:
  • Your child may cry more often, sometimes without an obvious reason and sometimes because they are upset about going to nursery.
  • They may resist the change strongly, making it challenging at times for parents to remain consistent and persevering.
  • They may experience more restless sleep as a result of the uncertainty and emotional adjustment they are going through.
  • Their behaviour may temporarily change, and they may seem more irritable, emotional, or tired than usual.

From a psychological perspective, these reactions are entirely normal. They are not signs that a child is “not ready”; rather, they indicate that the child is experiencing a significant life transition and needs time and support to adjust.

This is why the role of adults is so important – not to eliminate discomfort altogether, but to contain it, guide it, and help children navigate it safely. At Avenor Nursery, we place great emphasis on supporting parents throughout the settling-in process, helping families build confidence as they embark on this new chapter together.

We invite you to read the full article on the Despre Copii platform.