Tips for parents on sending your young one to Kindergarten.
by Suzette Boyette, of Parents Everywhere.com
My youngest is starting Kindergarten this year and I don’t know who’s more anxious/excited…. my son or me! We want our children to have the best experience they can, so what can we do to at least start the year off on the right foot?
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Prepare for new situations. Have discussions with your child about what to can possibly happen during the day or during the weeks ahead. Explain the different ways, phrases, sentences your child should handle various situations that may come up so he will have the tools he needs to best handle whatever may come up.
2. Help him make friends. There are many new faces that she will meet and this may cause some anxiety for your child. To help with this, you may want to schedule afterschool playdates at the playground or maybe at your home. This way, you will not only allow her to become friends with fellow classmates, but you will also get to know the parents and then feel more comfortable with whom she is playing with at school.
3. Help the teacher understand your child. Whether it be during the “Meet the Teacher” day before school starts or on another scheduled date, be sure to take the time to explain to your child’s teacher who your child is. Tell him what your son likes to do, what he needs help with, how he likes to learn, how he integrates into new situations,etc. By giving the teacher this information, it will help him understand how best to teach your child.
4. Be the example for your child and tone down your own anxiety. It is normal for parents to worry or be anxious for their child when they first enter kindergarten. However, remember they will sense how you feel and also feel/act in the same manner. Just a gentle reminder to keep your feelings more to yourself and show your child how proud and confident you are in him/her.
