After such a long and blissful summer, school days are finally upon us. Kids across the country are packing their backpacks and getting ready to return to class. For new kindergarteners and their parents, this can be a big new adjustment.
Kindergarten readiness can be a little overwhelming for parents. After all, everyone wants their child to transition into a new class with confidence, clarity and character. If that’s your situation right now, fret not because we’re here to ease your mind. Consider this your quick, all-action guide for preparing your kid for kindergarten.
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1. Adjust Sleep Patterns
If you’ve been on a flexible summer sleeping schedule, start easing your kid back into a “school” schedule. Figure out what time they need to be awake and work backward towards an ideal bedtime.
The best way to do this is to deduct at least 10 minutes every night from their bedtime. Depending on your schedule for the next few days before the start of the new school year, you might need to start sooner rather than later.
2. Encourage Independence and Self-Care
In kindergarten, teachers will often give multi-part assignments requiring children to complete several tasks. Encouraging your kid to be independent and learn how to take care of themselves at home can help them master the art of juggling multiple tasks. It’s a natural ability that only gets better with practice.For instance, you could teach your child how to dress up, put on and zip a coat, and tie up shoes. The key here is to allow them to learn independently, so don’t jump to their rescue whenever they fumble. Instead, subtly reiterate what they need to do, step by step, and stay patient while they try it out.
3. Manage Feelings About Starting Kindergarten
Transitioning from preschool to kindergarten can be a significant change for your child, and they might have mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. Letting your child know that you think they’ll do well at kindergarten can help them feel optimistic about what’s coming.
With that in mind, try to organize playdates with other children before the first day of school. It can help if your child knows another child going to the same school as them.
In addition, give your child plenty of love and support. Children, like the rest of us, need to express their concerns and worries, so be careful not to blow them off. Now more than ever, they need you to be an ardent, compassionate listener who’ll reassure them every step of the way. Do this for a week or so, and you can be sure that your child will have an easy time coping at school. Books about the first day of kindergarten can be helpful as well, here are some of my favorites.
4. Get the Necessary School Supplies
This probably goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Your child simply won’t do well in kindergarten if they’re lacking in the supplies department. So do your due diligence and buy everything they need before school starts.A backpack, water bottle and lunchbox are all things that should be on your shopping list. Then start thinking about clothes like pants, shirts and shoes. Have they outgrown their winter wear? It might be time to grab them a new jacket. The North Face jackets, for instance, use traditional goose down fill to keep your kid warm and cozy all day long.
Make Kindergarten a Great Year
As a parent, the least you can do for your kid is to equip them with the necessary education to overcome the challenges that adulthood inevitably poses. Kindergarten is where it all starts. So face this adjustment with a smile, knowing you’re doing what any good parent would do. Breathe, relax and enjoy this fascinating new phase in your child’s life.
Hello! I am Camille, a wife, mother of four, Disney obsessed, certified teacher, and believer in creating your best momlife the way you see fit. Motherhood comes with its ups and downs, my hope is you’ll find something here to make your life a little better/easier. Let’s be friends on social!
