A Big Step for Two: Preparing Mother and Child for Nursery Life

By: Habiba zain

For a child, starting nursery school is an exciting new chapter. But for a mother, it can be a moment filled with anxiety, questions, and bittersweet emotions. The journey of separation, even for a few hours a day, is not about the child — it is also about preparing the mother to let go, trust, and support.

Nursery is not just a place — it is a world where a child starts developing independence, social skills, and confidence. But that leap into the unknown requires emotional readiness — from both the child and the parent. According to nursery teachers and child psychologists, psychological preparation can ease this transition and turn it from a struggle into a growing experience for both sides.

According to a teacher from Doaa Nursery, mothers need to start with themselves before they can help their children adapt:

Understanding Separation is Natural:

It is not a loss — it is growth. A child needs space to form their identity and interact with others. Recognizing this helps mothers shift their mindset from fear to encouragement.

Managing Maternal Anxiety:

Children sense everything. If the mother is anxious, the child absorbs that energy. Staying calm, confident, and trusting the process sends a message of security to the child.

Practicing Letting Go at Home:

Start small — let the child feed themselves, get dressed, or tidy up toys. These small acts of independence pave the way for bigger emotional steps.

Psychological specialist Heba Hesham emphasizes that entering a modern environment requires a child to feel emotionally safe and prepared:

Gradual Introduction to Nursery Life:

Talk about nursery in a positive tone. Describe the space, the toys, the friends, and the caring teachers. If possible, visit the nursery together before the official start.

Building Simple Skills:

Help your child practice opening their lunchbox, using the bathroom, and expressing themselves. These skills build confidence and reduce frustration once they are alone.

Practicing Temporary Separation:

Let the child spend time with a trusted family member for short periods. This helps them get used to being away from you without feeling abandoned.

Setting up a Comfortable Routine:

Regular sleep, meals, and a consistent goodbye routine can create a sense of structure and security, making mornings smoother and less stressful.

Choosing the Right Nursery Matters:

The school’s location, the awareness level of teachers, and the general environment must align with your child’s age and needs. A trusted, safe, and nearby nursery makes the separation less intimidating.

For Menna Taha, the decision to send her child to nursery was not just about her son — it was also about preparing herself emotionally, “I knew the moment wouldn’t be easy, so I started preparing myself and my child gradually to make it smoother and more comforting for both of us.”

She explains how she first worked on herself, “I accepted that my son needed space to grow and learn on his own. I stayed calm around him, even if I was nervous inside. I did not want him to feel my anxiety.”

With her son, she began introducing the idea of a nursery positively, “I described it as a fun place with friends and toys. We even visited it before the start date and spent time there together. I let him choose his lunchbox and backpack — it made him excited.”

She also practiced gentle separation, “I slowly got him used to being without me, even for an hour. On the first day, I smiled, reassured him, and kept the goodbye short. When he came back, I was there to listen, to hug, and to celebrate his little victories.”

Every child is different, and so is every mother. What matters most is trust — in the process, in the chosen school, and in your child’s ability to adapt. Open