5 Tips to Help Your Child Get Through the First School Interview

School interviews start early with kids as young as three or four to gain acceptance for preschool or pre-kindergarten. Regardless of the nature and degree of the interview, it's important for you to prepare your child fully so that he or she knows what to expect and has the best chances possible for success. As you prep for the interview, keep the following tips in mind.

• Build rapport Developing an open, loving relationship with your children helps them grow their confidence and know that they can trust you. A child who trusts his mom and dad is more likely to take the interview preparation process seriously.
  
  
• Research the school Learning as much as you can about the school prior to the interview will prepare you for the interview environment and the type of questions that they are likely to ask, eliminating surprises and reducing general confusion.
  
• Brush up on the basics Make sure that your child knows basic information about himself including his address, his parents' names and professions, and the name of the school. Drill other basic facts, too, such as colors, letters, and numbers.
  
  
• Work to improve shortcomings During daily routines and activities, assess your child's speech, handwriting, body language, and attention skills. Then work on improving any areas that need work. Word and picture puzzles are a great way to build problem solving skills while working on dexterity and communication.
  
  
• Enforce cleanliness The cleanliness of a preschool aged child may seem trivial in an interview, but it can go a long way toward making a good impression. Focus on eating neatly at meals, washing hands after using the bathroom, and cleaning up after oneself, such as throwing candy wrappers in the garbage and picking up toys.