I’m a parenting guru & why now is the right time to prepare your kid for school in September and what they should know

IT may be February, but according to a parenting expert, now is the time to get your kids ready for the school start in September.

We often rely on nursery teachers to do all the work. But whilst they will take care of the educational aspect, life at home plays a huge part in how ready a child will be for school, said Kirsty Ketley.

Kirsty, a mum-of-two who's been in the childcare sector for years, added that the right approach will make settling in easier - and there are few things to keep in mind.

Offering a helping hand to fellow mums and dads, the expert shared her top tips to make the big day a breeze.

Working on independence

Kirsty, lovingly known as , said that the issue many children struggle with the most is being independent.

But getting them used to the fact you won't be there to do everything for them can work wonders

Dressing

Yes, they might be nappy-free, but just as important is ensuring they can pull their trousers, tights and underwear up and down.

Same, she added chatting to Fabulous, applies for outerwear, such as coats and boots.

It's handy to have velcro or slip on shoes in the early years to avoid any tantrums over laces.

Bonus tip: If your kids are struggling with putting their shoes on the correct foot and the sticker hack no longer does the trick, one mum came up with a genius solution.

Eating

Many of us will still feed our children - after all, that's quicker and gets the job done.

But according to the mum-of-two, the kid will benefit hugely from learning to use cutlery properly - and it's time to ditch the plastic forks and spoons.

Opt instead for proper metal cutlery, it can be smaller but it will get them used to using the 'grown-up' stuff.

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Looking after their things

The third must, Kirsty noted, is encouraging the child to take responsibility of their possessions.

At school, they will be expected to tidy up, so let them pack their bag for nursery or daytrips, as well as put their things away when necessary.

Bonus tip: Just like us, children will over time accumulate what feels like hundreds of toys.

To ensure neither you or your kid is overwhelmed, it's important to de-clutter at least once a year, Kirsty insisted.

''And, of course, role model being tidy!''

Improving their concentration skills

Although the average attention span is shrinking by the year, schools will expect the child to be able to concentrate for 10-15 minutes.

Instead of watching telly - the easiest way to get them to sit down - the whizz recommended other activities, such as baking.

''Board games and puzzles are both fab for concentration building and social skills, as they have to wait their turn.''

Bonus tip: It is recommended that those between the ages of two and five have just one hour per day of high-quality programmes.

From a caterpillar to a social butterfly

Those at nursery are already learning how to be sociable - but just as key is continuing to grow these skills out of day care too.

''Heading to playgroups, and arranging playdates with other children their age are all easy things that you can do to ensure that they are mixing with others,'' Kirsty added.

Another tip the guru shared is practicing conversations - and it doesn't always mean letting them chat.

''Having time to talk, along with time where children have to listen, teaches them vital speaking and listening skills.''

Bonus tip: Although Kirsty encouraged to have mealtimes together, this is not always possible. Another alternative to practice their listening and talking skills is during their bath time, when they're more relaxed.