Candid Chat with Bhumika Damniwala on Parenting
Bhumika Damniwala, a mother from Dadar West, shares her experience with First Crayon (www.firstcrayon.com) of finding her children’s first school.
How did you decide at what age to send your child to their first school?
At the age of two, my child was easily understanding instructions. I wanted him to start developing social skills, and so decided to enroll him in a preschool.
What were your information sources during the preschool search process? Which source was the most valuable?
I spoke with friends to get feedback on their experiences. I also visited the preschools in my locality. Visiting the preschools was the deciding factor for me.
What were your 3 most important factors while choosing a preschool? Why?
Hygiene, faculty and curriculum are the three factors that I concentrated on. My child is going to be away from me and my home for 2 hours so I had to give importance to these factors. I want my child to be in clean surroundings so that his health and hygiene are not compromised. Good faculty and curriculum will help him to develop a strong core, and be prepared for the transition into a more rigorous, formal learning.
What is the one thing that you feel you did really well during your preschool search, and other mothers should learn from you?
I personally visited preschools and only then took my decision. I would advise all parents to do the same. There is no replacement for your own presence at the preschool. It is only by visiting do you get a feel of the preschool’s vibe and an understanding of whether it is the right fit for your child.
What changes do you see in your child after going to preschool?
I started noticing positive changes in my child’s behavior. He was more independent and took his own decisions. He also became more friendly, both at home and when we went out.
What is your most important tip for parents to prepare their child and themselves for the first day of preschool?
Don’t expect your child to settle in one day. It took my child 15–20 days to get comfortable and adjust to the preschool. Don’t be overprotective — let your child navigate their first few days on their own.
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