Preparing for Kindergarten

It’s hard to know just how your child is going to act on the first day of Kindergarten. He may cling onto you, shedding tears trying to keep you just one more second or he may smile as he heads off ready for the challenge. It’s a big step for you and your child filled with; emotion, excitement, fear and uncertainty. Just remember this is a normal part of development and you are both going to make it through with flying colors. With that said there is still ways to ease the transition from home to kindergarten.

Talk
Talk with your child several weeks before school starts about going to kindergarten. Express enthusiasm and excitement about all the new things your child is going to learn and be exposed to. Engage him in conversation so you can see where his anxieties maybe. The more you talk about the school, teacher and fun your child is going to have the better prepared they will feel attending on their first day.

Play Date
During the summer, families and friends become separated due to vacations and camp activities.
Try scheduling a few play dates with your child’s friends prior to the first day of school to rekindle friendships. Consider talking with a few of the moms and plan on meeting at the school on the first day so the kids can walk into school together. This also can be a great support system for you, go have coffee with them and talk about your fears and excitement of having your little one head off to kindergarten.

Bring a little piece of home
Have your child bring something from home that is small to remind them they are safe and home is with them. I gave my son my key chain that used to hold my keys and attached it to his backpack. I told him if he missed me to rub the keychain and remember I would be driving over to pick him up as soon as the bell rang. They may have a small toy or memento that also can provide comfort.

Become familiar with the classroom
Spend some time in your child's classroom on the first day. Introduce your child to the teacher and the other kindergartners, and point out the bathroom, the lunch area, and your child's cubby and coat hook. If the teacher has set up an arts and crafts activity to occupy and engage children, try to get your child involved in the activity.

Saying Good bye
Don’t leave with out saying goodbye as this will only confuse and cause more anxiety. Make sure your goodbyes are upbeat and brief. Once you leave do not return, you want your child to feel comfortable and secure. If you return they will feel your uneasiness and wonder why you don’t feel safe leaving.

Return
Remember to be on time to pick up your child and establish a routine for the drop off and pick up of your child so that everyone knows what to expect the rest of the year. Ask questions and provide praises for a great first day. Be ready to do it again tomorrow and have patience this is a big step for both of you and it takes time.