Toddler Preschool at 22 Months in Singapore: What We Packed, How We Prepared, and Why It Was So Different This Time?

Being a mom of two, I thought I had it figured out when it came to sending a child to preschool.
Aarav, my elder one, walked into school smiling, waving, and never looked back.
So naturally, I assumed my younger one, Aagam, would be the same.
But oh, how wrong I was.

This blog is my real and raw experience of sending a clingy 22-month-old to school in Singapore. Why we chose to do it, how different both my boys are, what I packed in his tiny bag, and the emotional preparation it took (for both of us). If you are a parent of a toddler  especially a shy or sensitive one this post is for you.

🧒 Two Kids, Two Different Stories: Aarav vs Aagam

When Aarav started school, it was smooth
He was friendly, outgoing, and excited.
He never cried, made friends easily, and genuinely enjoyed his school routine from Day 1 and I used to feel like a proud Mother .
In many ways, he is just like me  an extrovert who thrives around people.

But Aagam… is a whole different world.

He is selective, shy, and extremely clingy. Doesn’t talk to strangers. Hates separation. And when we sent him to school, on hisfirst day he came out crying within 10 minutes.

That day, I truly realised: every child is different.
And being a mom of two has taught me that parenting isn’t about repeating a formula it’s about discovering a new one for every child.

 Why We Sent Aagam to Preschool at 22 Months ?

Many people ask, “Isn’t he too young?”

Honestly, I asked myself that too.
But here’s why we decided to take that step:

• He is very clingy and doesn’t engage with others outside our family
• He wasn’t getting enough language or social stimulation since living in Singapore in a nuclear family.
• We wanted to start gentle exposure to people, routine, and group activities
• Even short hours help toddlers understand that mama always comes back
• It also gave me 2 hours daily to reset and breathe which matters as a mom of two!

Most importantly, I have learned that school isn’t just for ABCs ,it’s for:

• Emotional development
• Building independence
• Routine and discipline
• Learning to play and share
• And giving moms a little time to recharge

🏫 The Type of School We Chose

We picked a short-hour preschool (2 hours per day) in Singapore. Here’s why:

• Gentle and age-appropriate for toddlers
• Affordable fees compared to full-day childcare.( in Singapore Schooling is very costly for foreigners)
• Focus on play-based learning with music, stories, and interaction
• Located nearby for convenience.
• Teachers were trained in handling separation anxiety and early development

As a second-time mom, I knew to look beyond fancy facilities.
This time, I focused on the vibe of the school, warmth of the teachers, and flexibility for parents like me.

🎒 What I Packed in His School Bag

His school bag was tiny but packed with all the essentials (and my emotions!):

• 1 set of extra clothes
• Diapers + wipes
• Water bottle
• Snack box ( not allowed in school but for post school time)
• Small comfort toy

All items clearly labelled with his name

🎒 Tip: Let your toddler carry their bag at home to feel familiar before Day 1.

Preparing Aagam… and Preparing Myself

I thought I was prepared after all, I’ve done this before with Aarav.

But this time felt different. Harder. Slower. More emotional.

💬 Preparing Aagam:

Since his elder brother Aarav already goes to school, Aagam was familiar with the word “school.”
He used to watch Aarav wear his uniform, pack his bag, and say goodbye every morning.
So we used that as a cue telling him things like:

“Now you’re going to school like Dada!”
“You’ll also carry your own bag like Aarav.”

That helped a little  but familiarity doesn’t always mean readiness.
So, to make the transition smoother, we also:

• Started talking about “school” two weeks before in fun, positive ways
• Read books like Maisy Goes to Preschool and Llama Llama Misses Mama
• Let him carry his bag around at home during pretend play
• Visited the school once together to make it less unfamiliar
• Practiced short separations by letting him stay with helper or in another room

 Preparing Myself:

Honestly, I assumed I wouldn’t feel that emotional this time I had done this before.
But when Aagam cried on Day 1, I realised every experience is new, raw, and real.

So I had to prepare myself too:

• Reminded myself: Tears don’t mean failure. They mean change.
• Avoided comparing my boys (even though Aarav never cried)
• Allowed myself to cry too and still show up strong
• Remembered: some kids need more time, and that’s perfectly okay

As moms, especially with more than one child, we often forget: We grow too.
The second child doesn’t make us experts
They make us better observers, better listeners, and more compassionate mothers.

😭 First Day Experience: A Real Story

We woke up early. Packed his bag. Took a few photos. Prayed together.

But within 10 minutes… he was out, crying. My heart shattered.

He looked at me like, “Why did you leave me there?”

And in that moment, the mom guilt hit me like a wave.
But I held him, comforted him, and reminded myself  this is just Day 1.
And sometimes, crying is part of growing.

🧡 Aarav didn’t cry. Aagam did. Both experiences were valid. Both were brave.

📈 What I have Already Noticed in Aagam (Even With Just 2 Hours)

• He now points to things and try to say some words
• Sleeps better after school
• Becomes excited when he sees his school bag
• Is slowly opening up to new surroundings
• Understands the morning routine of “getting ready”

It’s a process and we’re still in it  but progress over perfection is the goal.

📍 How to Find Preschools Like This in Singapore

Look for short-hour, toddler-friendly programs at:

• Community Centers (Playgroups)
• Faith-based Preschools
• MOE Registered Childcares with Flexi-Care Plans
• Use websites like:
  • Skoolopedia
  • Little Steps Asia – Singapore
  • Facebook groups like “Singapore Mommies”, “Indian Moms in SG”

🧩 Final Words from a Mom of Two

Being a second-time mom doesn’t make it easier it just makes it deeper.
I have  learned to be more present, more gentle, and more accepting of how different each child is.

School is not just for “early learning”
It’s for early confidence, emotional growth, and routine.

So whether your child walks in with a smile like Aarav or comes out crying like Aagam you are doing your best.
And they are doing their best too.

Are you also preparing to send your toddler to school?
Let’s talk — drop your questions or stories in the comments below or DM me on Instagram @fussy_mom_n_happy_kid

And if this helped you, don’t forget to share with another parent. 💛