Settle into Kindergarten Without Unsettling Your Child (page 2)

Prepping your child for kindergarten shouldn’t be torture. Learn tips for getting your preschooler ready for the big day.

What You Need To Know

Back to School Preparation

Starting kindergarten is a major event in a child’s life. It can be stressful for both you and your child. However, if you take the time to prepare yourself and your child for this transition you can set the stage for success and great memories of kindergarten.

Here are few basic ideas experts say to keep in mind as the countdown to kindergarten begins.

• Start talking early. The news of going to kindergarten shouldn’t be a surprise. Talk it up with your child.
• Go for a school visit. Show your child his kindergarten home.
• Get into a routine. Figure out what bedtime schedule and wake-up schedule should be to give your child ample time to prepare for school in the morning.
• Practice everyday activities such as: hand washing, dressing, using the bathroom and practicing  words like “please” and “thank-you”.
• Give it time.  Don’t rush your child to get with the program. Encourage them and allow them time for adjustment. 

How You Can Help

Along with the easy steps above, remember to tell your child all of the positive and exciting things about kindergarten while still listening to him and answer his questions.  Here are some more specific things to help ease any anxiety that comes along with the first day of kindergarten.

• Comfort and reassure your child about going to kindergarten. Find out what his daily schedule will be like. Play games that will help your child develop kindergarten ready skills like this bottle cap game from Education.com. (http://www.education.com/activity/article/bottle-cap-project/)
• Find out if your child’s kindergarten class has an orientation or a visiting day.
• If possible, organize a play date or two with children who will be in your child’s class.
• If you are not sure your child can do things like use the bathroom on his own, take off and put on his shoes, or put his jacket on, you may want to work on these things with him. Let the teacher what he may be struggling with.
• Leave plenty to arrive for the first day of school. When it is time for you to leave, make a point of saying goodbye.

It takes some children longer than others to adjust and become comfortable with the new school routine. Continue to support and listen to your child and things should get better with time. Ask for some tips from your child’s teacher who may have more incite on your child’s  classroom struggles.