How to Help Your Child Adjust to Kindergarten
Sending your child off to kindergarten can create a whirlwind of emotions in our children and in parents. But preparing your child for this milestone can ease anxiety and help ensure a smooth transition into the world of education. In this blog, I’ll share some practical tips and fun activities on how to help your child adjust and shine in kindergarten!
Cultivate Independence
Gently encourage your child to take small steps towards independence before kindergarten starts. Start with simple tasks like dressing themselves, using the bathroom, and putting away their toys. Offer kids choices to give them a sense of control and feel responsible for their decisions. These skills build confidence and can make their day at school more manageable.
Develop Social Skills
A big part of kindergarten is about making friends and learning to cooperate with others. Organize playdates or join playgroups where your child can interact with kids who are of a similar age. Have them practice taking turns and sharing. Help kids understand nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language. Communicating effectively can definitely take several attempts, so give them lots of opportunities and compassion when trying out these new skills.
Visit the School
Take your child to visit their new school before the first day. If possible, explore the classrooms and playground, and meet the teachers. Familiarizing them with the surroundings can ease anxiety and make the first day a bit less intimidating and help your child adjust to starting kindergarten.
Read Books About Kindergarten
Reading books that talk about starting kindergarten can help your child understand what to expect. Look for stories with relatable characters going through similar experiences. Discuss the stories together to explore any worries your child may have.
Expect Strong Feelings
Find ways to bring up the subject of kindergarten often, before the first day, as a way for your child to express their feelings about going to school. Be prepared that crying or whining may increase as kids prepare to start “real school.” They may make defiant statements such as, “I won’t go.” Do your best to embrace all their feelings without “fixing” the situation. Letting your kids share their fears and worries with you can help them clear out their pent-up anxiety and prepare them to start school with openness. Expect that you may feel exhausted as you provide space for their feelings. This is a great time for you turn to a trusted friend or family member for much deserved support.
Make Goodbyes Special
Before the first day of school, brainstorm ways to make goodbyes special. Create a secret handshake or come up with a special phrase that you only use at school. Having a regular way to say goodbye at school can offer your child comfort and assure them that you’re thinking of them throughout the day. One idea is to draw a simple image (e.g. a heart or smiley face) on their wrist or give them a special item from home to carry in their pocket throughout the day. These reminders provide an emotional connection to you throughout the day when your child misses you.
Each child is unique, so tailor your approach to suit your little one's needs. With your support and guidance, they'll begin kindergarten, and their confidence and enthusiasm will flourish. If you need more tips on how to help your child adjust kindergarten, contact me to schedule a parent child relationship therapy session (especially since I know parents often have big emotions about their little ones starting kindergarten).
