Starting preschool marks the beginning of a new phase in your child's development and many parents ask themselves, "Is my child ready for preschool?" Even if your child has previously attended a toddler program, in the next few months, your preschooler will make new friends, learn new skills, and gain confidence and independence. This early start sets your child on the path for later school success, but it's not always easy. You and your toddler may be feeling a mix of emotions: excitement, apprehension, and even sadness as babyhood disappears. Preparing your child academically for preschool may be different than what you are expecting. By simply reading, playing, and exploring together, you are helping your child get ready for preschool activities. You should offer your child a mix of active, playful experiences and quieter, more focused activities. Chances are, you're probably already doing many things to prepare your child for the preschool curriculum. Emotionally preparing your child-and yourself-for preschool might take more intentional effort. Below are a few ideas to smoothly make the transition.