Preparing Your Child for Their First Nursery in Dubai - Part 3
Tips for Parents
A few final words of wisdom to help you (and your child) make the most of this exciting new chapter at a preschool in Dubai.
Stay Positive and Reassuring (Even for Non-Verbal Children)
For parents of younger children who aren’t talking yet, preparing for a nursery in Dubai might feel like an even bigger challenge. Without words to express their feelings, little ones rely on body language, routine, and emotional cues from their caregivers to feel secure. The good news is that even if your child can’t fully express themselves verbally, there are plenty of ways to help them feel safe, reassured, and excited about nursery.
1. Use Body Language and Facial Expressions
Young children are highly attuned to their parents' emotions, so your body language and tone of voice play a huge role in how they perceive new experiences. When talking about nursery, smile, make eye contact, and use a warm, cheerful tone. Even if they don’t understand every word, they’ll pick up on your positive energy and associate nursery with something good.
2. Introduce Simple Routine Cues
Babies and toddlers thrive on routine, and having predictable steps leading up to their first day at a preschool in Dubai can make them feel more secure. In the weeks before starting, introduce small rituals that will become familiar, such as:
Packing their nursery bag together every morning.
Putting on their shoes and waving at the door, even if it’s just for a short outing.
Having a special goodbye phrase for drop off like “Have a wonderful day, my love!” before separating.
These little habits create consistency and help them recognize what’s happening, making the actual transition to nursery much smoother.
3. Play-Based Preparation
Even if your child isn’t speaking yet, they understand a lot more than we realize. One of the best ways to introduce the idea of a nursery in Dubai is through play. You can:
Use dolls or stuffed animals to act out a simple nursery day, showing them being dropped off, playing, eating, and then happily being picked up.
Create a mini “nursery” space at home where they can explore activities similar to what they’ll do in their new setting, such as stacking blocks, looking at books, or playing with sensory toys.
Sing songs or rhymes they might hear at nursery. This helps build familiarity with routines they will experience, making them feel more comfortable when they hear them in their new environment.
4. Visual Aids for Communication
For children who are not yet verbal, visual cues can be incredibly helpful. Simple picture books about starting nursery can give them an idea of what to expect. You can also use real photos, show them pictures of their nursery, their teacher, or their classroom. If the nursery provides a welcome packet with images, go through it with your child a few times before they start. Even if they don’t understand the full context, these images will become familiar and reduce anxiety.
5. Comfort Items and Transitional Objects
Having a familiar object from home can be incredibly comforting for non-verbal children. A small stuffed animal, blanket, or even a piece of fabric from a parent's clothing can help bridge the gap between home and a nursery in Dubai. Some nurseries allow children to bring a "transitional object" during the settling-in period. Check with your nursery and, if allowed, let your child bring something that offers them a sense of security.
6. Gentle Exposure to Short Separations
If your child has never been apart from you for long, easing them into the idea of being cared for by others can help. Start with short separations, such as leaving them with a trusted caregiver for brief periods while you step out. This builds their confidence that when you leave, you always come back. Gradually extend these separations to help them adjust before their first day at a preschool in Dubai.
7. Trust the Process, It Takes Time
Younger children, especially those who can’t communicate their feelings yet, may take a little longer to adjust. Expect some tears (which are completely normal), but also know that most children settle into their new routine within about two weeks. Stay consistent, stay positive, and trust that your child is adapting, even if they can’t tell you with words just yet.
Starting a nursery in Dubai is a big milestone, but with patience, reassurance, and a little preparation, even the youngest children can make a smooth and happy transition!
Avoid Rushing the Transition
Every child is different, some may walk into nursery on the first day with a wave and a smile, while others may take a little longer to adjust. The key is to be patient and allow your child to settle in at their own pace, rather than forcing them to adapt overnight. A gentle, well-paced transition helps build confidence and security, setting your child up for long-term success at their nursery in Dubai.
1. Start Gradually When Possible
Many nurseries offer a phased or staggered start, allowing children to ease into the new environment rather than jumping straight into full days. If this is an option, take advantage of it! Shorter initial sessions help children get used to the setting, teachers, and other children without feeling overwhelmed. Even if your nursery doesn’t offer an official phased approach, you can create your own by planning shorter days in the beginning and gradually increasing the time your child spends there.
2. Read the Signs—Every Child is Different
Some children adapt quickly, while others need extra time. Pay attention to your child’s cues, are they showing signs of distress, or are they starting to engage more each day? Rather than comparing their transition to others, focus on their individual progress. If they need more time, that’s okay! Small steps forward are still progress.
3. Keep Drop-Offs Calm and Consistent
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is prolonging goodbyes in an effort to comfort their child. While it’s natural to want to reassure them, drawn-out goodbyes can make the transition harder. Instead, establish a consistent, upbeat drop-off routine. A quick hug, a cheerful goodbye, and a reminder that you’ll be back soon help reinforce the idea that nursery is a safe and positive place.
4. Offer Extra Comfort and Support at Home
Adjusting to nursery can be emotionally and physically tiring for young children. In the early days, they may need more cuddles, quiet time, or even earlier bedtimes. Provide extra comfort when needed and make sure they have plenty of downtime at home to recharge. Keeping home routines familiar and predictable can help ease the transition.
5. Trust the Process, It Gets Easier!
Transitions take time, and it’s important to trust that your child will settle in, even if it takes a few weeks. For most children, the adjustment period lasts around two weeks, but some may need a little longer. As they become familiar with their teachers, make friends, and get used to the daily routine, their confidence will grow.
By taking a patient, thoughtful approach, you’re not just helping your child adjust to a preschool in Dubai, you’re also teaching them resilience and trust, skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Conclusion
Preparing your child for their first nursery in Dubai doesn’t have to be stressful; it’s a wonderful journey that both you and your child will remember fondly. With a little patience, some thoughtful preparation, and a positive outlook, you’ll both be ready to embrace the nursery adventure.
Get ready for a lot of learning, new friends, and plenty of joyful moments along the way!