1. Buy cool stuff! No, seriously, do it. Nothing gets a kid more excited about Kindergarten than some cool accouterments! So, bring on the Minion backpacks, the Elsa lunch boxes, and the Marvel water bottles. Balancing out the jitters with some excitement can go a long way.
2. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. Go to all the pre-Kindergarten gatherings. Go to the Meet the Teacher Night and whatever else they throw your way! The more your child knows, the more comfortable they will feel. Walk around the room and show them where they will put their stuff and where they will sit. Show them the playground and where they will be picked up. If the teacher already has a daily schedule, get a copy and review it with your child. Be prepared to answer their questions over and over again. Little ears need to hear things repeatedly!
3. Accept your child’s fears. Our knee-jerk reaction is to tell our kids they have nothing to worry about. As good parents, we say things like, “Kindergarten isn’t scary” or “Don’t worry.” Well, Kindergarten can be scary and it is normal for them to feel a little jittery. When your child tells you they are scared to go to Kindergarten validate their fears. “I know it is scary to go to Kindergarten. I will help you get through it. I will make sure you know where to go and what to do.” These type of assurances can be more effective and powerful.
4. Bring a comfort object for their cubby. Most Kindergarten classes have a place for kids to put their stuff. Ask the teacher if it would be okay to bring something from home to keep in their cubby. A stuffed animal or small blanket can bring your child comfort. If they get upset, they can go hug or smell (yes, smell) their favorite animal or blanket. Smelling home can bring some comfort to young kids.
5. Keep your emotions in check. Kids have a sixth sense to momma stress. You might be saying all the right words, but your kid can sniff your fear. Try to keep a calm demeanor. Do not keep asking your child if they are alright. If you notice your child clinging to your leg with a death grip – throw some assuring words their way. “I know new things can be scary at first. I am going to show you where to go and what to do.” Do not hesitate, waiver or stalk your child (you know who you are!) when it is time to leave. When you decide to go – go. Do not peek through the window, hide behind the corner or stare through your car window for hours. Little people see all. Confidently give your child a kiss and leave (tearing up as you walk away is allowed).
Kindergarten is one of many firsts! Before you know it – you’ll be teaching them to drive and checking their text messages. Soak up these times. Their face won’t need spit cleaning for long!
Natasha Daniels is a child therapist who finds the humor in toddlers. She has three crazy children at home that make her laugh, love and hide. When she is not working in her private practice, she is hiding in her closet trying to give advice to other moms! Her book How to Parent an Anxious Toddler will be released next month. You can find Natasha on her blog AnxiousToddlers.com .
KimSeghers says
Thank you Joshua! I think Natasha did a great job writing this post and her tips are great! How was your daughter's first day of kindergarten? Have a great week, Kim
joshua54 says
Wow, these are fantastic tips! My daughter will start going to Phoenix kindergarten from next month. I am sure these tips will be very helpful. I hope she’ll not feel jittery on the first day.
Kimberly Rosso says
#3 about validating your child's fears about entering a new phase in their lives is spot on. Great post. I truly enjoyed reading it.
KimSeghers says
Thank you, Kimberly! I am so happy Natasha shared this post with my readers. Have a great weekend, Kim
Tiffany says
I don't have any little ones, but these are such sweet suggestions. i really like the one with the comfort item in the cubby….smells really can bring comfort.
KimSeghers says
Hi Tiffany! I liked the idea about the comfort item in the cubby, too. smells can bring comfort. When my husband was deployed I would sleep with his t-shirt with his cologne on it. Have a lovely night, Kim
Agy Lee says
Great tips. Mine wasnt jittery and was very excited until he reached the front door of the kindy! I think I forgot to tell him I wasnt going in with him!
KimSeghers says
Hi Agy! yeap that might make them a little upset when the little ones realize their parents can't go to school with them.
My son wouldn't let go of me it was a rough first day! Kim
Ronda Ogilvie says
these are all really great tips! I am now into the "checking their text messages" stage, but I remember their start of kindergarten like it was yesterday. My oldest brought a family picture with her to school for comfort.
KimSeghers says
Hi Ronda, My youngest started kindergarten this year and he has brought my picture to school for the first few days. My oldest children are in college and I wish they would check their text messages and respond..lol ! Have a lovely night, Kim
Mary La Fornara says
That first day is always so difficult for everyone! You have given great tips!
KimSeghers says
Hi Mary! Yes I think Natasha as some great tips she shared. Have a lovely night, Kim
Allison says
This year my youngest starts Kindergarten. I will be a sad momma!
KimSeghers says
My baby starts Kindergarten too, Allison! I am a little sad because my baby is growing up. Best wishes to you and your child may they have a great Kindergarten year!!! Kim
lesliesholly says
Really good advice–and some of it applies for middle school and high school too!
KimSeghers says
Hi Leslie! Yes, Natasha has some great tips. I think they can apply to older children as well. Thank you for stopping over! Hugs~ Kim