If preschool readiness for children isn’t just about age or skills, then readiness for parents isn’t just about ticking a box on the calendar either. It’s emotional. It’s logistical. It’s deeply personal. And often, it's quietly complicated.

Some parents feel pressure to enrol their child by a certain age - believing earlier is better, or fearing their child will be “left behind.” Others feel torn, sensing their child isn’t quite ready, or struggling with their own emotions about separation. Both instincts are valid. And both can sit side by side.

Parent readiness matters because you are your child’s primary secure base. When you feel confident and clear - even if tender or emotional - your child picks up on that safety. They lean into your calm, even when stepping into the unknown.

So what does it mean to feel ready, as a parent? It doesn’t mean you’re without doubts. But it does mean you’re beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of your child spending time away from you. You’re curious about how they’ll grow in new settings, even if it feels bittersweet. You’re willing to build a relationship with the preschool staff, share what makes your child feel safe, and work together when challenges arise.

It’s also about knowing that you don’t have to hand over your child and step away. Preschool transition works best when it’s scaffolded - for both you and your child. That might mean staying nearby for the first few days, creating a goodbye ritual, or checking in with the teacher about how things went. It’s okay to need reassurance. It’s okay to go slow.

Importantly, being ready doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being responsive. If your child clings or cries, you don’t need to interpret it as failure. You can offer co-regulation - acknowledging their feelings, staying present, and reminding them you’ll return. Over time, those repeated experiences help both of you build confidence.

So if you’re not sure whether your child should start preschool yet, ask yourself:

• What kind of support does my child need to feel safe in a new place?

• What kind of support do I need to feel okay with letting go a little?

• Do I trust that readiness can be nurtured over time - not all at once?
  
  
  

Preschool isn’t a test of independence - for your child or for you. It’s a new relationship. And readiness, at its heart, is about having the support to grow into it - together.