PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN

It’s almost time, parents.  Kindergarten is just around the corner.  And believe me, that first day is going to be a hard one. There will be fears and there might be some tears but hopefully it can also be a great moment for both you and your not-so-little-anymore kiddo.

Here are a few steps you can take to prepare both yourself and your child for that important first day.

1. First of all, take a deep breath, parents.  Everything is going to be okay.  Your child is growing up.  And as hard as it is for us to say goodbye to baby smells, and favorite wubbies, snuggle time and wide-eyed innocence, your child is ready for their next big adventure.

And, if your child isn't as ready as they could be, you'll work to get there together.  Your child might be heading off to big kid school but they still need you to help them make that transition.  Let's make it as smooth as possible for both of you.

2. Plan to visit your child's new school with them.  Most schools will have open house days so families can do this.  Explore the school and the classroom your child will be in.  If possible, plan for you and your child to meet their Kindergarten teacher before the school year starts.  

When you visit the school, talk about drop off and pick up.  If you'll be driving your child show them where the car will let them out and talk about where they will walk when they exit the car.  Will your child be riding the school bus?  If so, show them where they will get on the bus in the morning and where the buses pull up when  they arrive at the school.  If you're walking your child to school practice that walk together before hand.  Name the streets you walk on, point out landmarks you see along the way (the neighborhood park, a corner store, your neighbor's house, etc...).  Your child will be less nervous when they understand their new routine.

3. Teach your child their address, your phone number and your full name.  This will take time.  Let them practice writing this information daily and practice with them on the phone.  Hopefully they won't need this information any time soon, but it's your responsibility to prepare them for those moments when they might.

4. Have conversations with your child about strangers.  Conversations.  Plural.  You'll need to talk about this more than once, parents.  You might even consider roleplaying different scenarios with your child.  This is a scary topic for  parents to think about but you'll need to impress upon your child the importance of never going off with a stranger.  You might want to think about having a code word that you use with your child in the event that someone other than you needs to pick them up from school.  Make sure it's something you can both remember and go over it together periodically.

Now, let's talk about backpacks for a moment.  Your child will need one and I know it's cute to get their name embroidered on it but I urge you to reconsider.  If you can read the name on the backpack than so can a stranger and your child is much more likely to go off with that stranger if that stranger addresses them by their name.  Play it smart and skip the embroidered name.  

5. Your child's favorite lunch might be PB&J but you'll need to plan on peanut-free lunches once they start school.  With the rise of peanut allergies many schools have gone peanut-free.  Consult your child's school to see if this rule applies or plan on a yummy lunch alternative.  Additionally, make sure your child can open all their lunch food.  That amazing lunch you pack will do them no good if they can't open it up.  

6. Bullies.  Every school has them and yes, they exist even in Kindergarten.  Have conversations about bullies with your child before they start school.  You might consider reading some books with them on this subject such as, Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill, Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner, and Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney.  Talk to your child about standing up for themselves and talk to them about respecting others.  You don't want your child to be bullied and you don't want your child to be a bully.  Talk it out, prepare your child, and give them the tools they need to be a good classmate and a good friend.

7. Remember, parents, that Kindergarten can be exhausting.  I know children are busy these days and there always seems to be a half dozen or more after school activities to run around to but try to keep these activities to a minimum.  Your child will need time to unwind, to decompress from their busy day.  so much of what they're experiencing at school is new that they are likely overstimulated by the end of their school day.  Think about creating an unwinding ritual for you and your child.  Maybe go for a walk around your neighborhood after school or sit and have a snack and read a book.  Decide what works best for you and your child.  It might end up being the best part of  your day.

8. And lastly, parents, remember to savor the memories.  This year will be filled with first for both your child and you.  Take pictures, save the school projects, record all those precious moments.  They will be gone before you know it.

Enjoy the school year to come, parents.  It's going to be great!