The start of kindergarten in Slovakia often involves a sudden immersion into a new environment, a practice described as “shock therapy” by some. While marketing often highlights the fun aspects of preschool, the reality is a challenging period of adjustment for children. They must learn to trust new adults, navigate peer interactions, adhere to unfamiliar rules, and cope with separation anxiety. Each child's response varies significantly, extending beyond mere temperament. This abrupt transition forces rapid adaptation, as children are effectively “thrown into the water” to learn how to swim. The article suggests a need for greater understanding of the emotional complexities involved in this early childhood experience.