Starting kindergarten can be extremely stressful and traumatic, especially for the parent! Some children also have a hard time adjusting to this new chapter of life, but most of them make the transition quickly. It’s the parents that have the most difficulty with sending their babies off to “big school.” I’ve put together a few steps that will make this transition easier. Trust me, they’ll be just fine.
First, contact the local school or school board for registration dates and information. This will assure that you have a place and they have your contact information. There is much more than completing registration forms, which are addressed below. These 7 Steps to a Successful Start to Kindergarten will prepare you and your child mentally and physically for this transition!
7 Steps to a Successful Start to Kindergarten
1. Talk to your child about the transition.
When there’s a transition, talking to children helps them get used to the idea. They need to know that they are going to start school soon! When you talk about it, be positive. Don’t constantly talk about how much you will miss them, or they will begin to worry. Tell them the teacher will be taking care of them for a little while, and you’ll be there after school. They also need to know that school is every day – one little boy told his mom school was okay, but he wasn’t going back! A calendar (on the fridge, perhaps?) will help your child see what days they go to school and when those weekend breaks are.
2. Communicate with the school or teacher.
There are many ways to communicate these days! Follow your child’s school on social media, watch for emails or phone calls from a new number, and look for signs around their school. It’s important to also let the school know if your contact information changes. Most of all, be patient. Schools are still planning during the summer, so just listen out for that information that will be coming closer to school time.
3. Get the supplies you need.
School supply lists are usually on school websites or at the school office. Some lists may have specific things that are needed, so click here to find the best places to buy supplies. Many schools ask for money instead of supplies, but your child will probably need to purchase their own backpack. Check with the school to see if there’s a particular kind that is or isn’t allowed. Some schools may require closed-toe shoes or a specific dress code. The school website will usually have that information. If your child wants specific supplies, yet you prefer to send money, let them choose a few supplies to “play school” at home. For more ideas for learning through play, click here for my blog post on the importance of play.
4. Help them be independent.
Although your child’s teacher will help them with some things, they do have a classroom full. Your child should be able to function on their own when it comes to going to the bathroom, washing their hands, and feeding themselves. Buttoning and zipping, opening snack packages, and packing a backpack are difficult but important to your child’s independence. For the full list of kindergarten readiness skills, click here and sign up for notifications of future blog posts.
5. Develop routines.
Children need structure to feel secure, so having a routine of a specific bedtime or getting ready in the morning will help them have the structure they need before beginning school. When school begins, they will be used to having that structure at home, creating less stress and conflict each morning and night. Click here for my blog post on developing routines.
6. Trust and don’t stress.
Your anxiety rubs off on your child, making the transition harder for them. If you show that you think they will be fine, they’ll have the confidence to do the hard things. The school will contact you if there’s an emergency, so rest assured, they will take care of your baby. As you drop them off, make pictures, get a good hug, and let them get settled into their new adventure. Just have tissues in the car for the ride home.
7. Pray.
Pray with your child and for your child. If they see that you are praying with them, this models and assures them that they can also pray when they are anxious, even on the first day of school.
