Excited For Kindergarten

A child's first day and weeks of kindergarten can be such an exciting yet overwhelming event for both the child and parent. A child may worry or be nervous about what the school, teacher and other children will be like as they enter this new adventure. Parents can help ease their child's concerns and curiosity about their first day of school with these helpful tips.

Preparing For Kindergarten

Begin establishing a routine weeks before school starts for early bedtime and wake up time. Check your school for an example of snack and lunch times and adjust your routine accordingly. Having a routine similar to the school routine will help your child get sufficient sleep and create a more organized, consistent environment that will reduce anxiety. Picture charts are a great way to give your child a visual depiction of the routine that they can understand.

Take a trip to the library with your child and ask for books about starting Kindergarten. This is an opportunity to discuss feelings your child may have as they anticipate their first day of school.

Visit the school if possible a week before school starts to look around the school and play at the playground.

Riding the bus can be a very overwhelming experience for small children. If your child will be taking a bus to school, review bus rules and familiarize your child with the practice of taking a bus. For fun set up a few chairs and play 'bus ride" with your child.

Attend a playgroup or library program for children your child's age. There may be a child who attends one of these programs who may be in your child's class in September.

Involve your child in the school shopping experience. Allow them to help choose school supplies and favourite nutritious snacks.

The First Day of School

The first day of school can be a teary - eyed one for both you and your child, most often it's the parents who have a difficult time letting go. Here are some tips for helping your child ease into their first day with confidence.

Provide a hearty nutritious breakfast with their favourite breakfast foods to be well nourished for the day.

Encourage your child to help you pack their snack, lunch and/or backpack, this way they feel like a big helper.

Take a picture of your child ready for school with their new backpack. If you show excitement, your child too will feel excited about this special day.

Whether you are saying goodbye as your child gets on the bus or at their classroom reassure your child that you will be coming back to pick them up and you will want to know all about their exciting day at school.

Provide a picture of your family that your child may keep in their cubby. This may help calm jitters.

Each child adjusts to kindergarten in their own way. One child may easily say goodbye and join their class while another may need more reassurance for days or even weeks. Either way, when a child sees that their parent shows enthusiasm about their first experience of school it can work wonders helping the child adjust to the new situation. Before you know it your child will be ready to conquer everyday with ease.

- Heather Langdon is an Early Childhood Educator and Owner of Ayling's Great Baby Company