Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Your back to school preparation should start well in advance of the big day. If at all possible, it is a good idea to take your child to his or her school for a tour before school starts. Try to take the same route your child will take to get there, so it won't seem as scary. Some people suggest going when school is in session, but some children will not react well to this and will be more afraid. Know how your child will react, and go from there. Definitely meet the teacher before school starts and make sure your child meets the teacher. Try to find something at school that you do not have at home that will make your son or daughter excited to come to school. My son was excited about the library and learning to read, while my daughter is excited about the art classes and all the craft supplies (she'll have to The first day of school can be stressful at any age, but for a child entering kindergarten, it can be one of the most frightening experiences ever. wait another year, though).

Taking your child to school early will help ease your anxiety as well. You will have a face to go with the teacher's name, as well as an idea what the classroom will look like. Hopefully meeting the teacher and staff will reassure you that you are putting your child in good hands. Kindergarten is also a good time to sign up for any volunteer opportunities your child's school may have. Volunteering is a fun way to stay connected with your child and know what is going on in the school.

Answer all your child's questions about school as honestly and optimistically as you can. Many people have had poor experiences in school, but you should try to keep that out of your conversations with your child as much as possible. You certainly don't want to terrify your kindergartener into thinking the teacher is going to be a child-eating crocodile from the outer reaches of space!

Make as much leading up to school, like clothes shopping and picking out school supplies, as fun as possible. Let your child have a voice in choosing clothes and supplies, and buy a few extras in case things get lost. Reserve those new items for the big day so they keep their "magical" newness and get your child eager to use them. If it is using that brand new Care Bears book bag that makes the first day of school exciting, then great; you will have a smiling child putting on the new backpack and anxious to show it off, rather than a big bundle of anxiety.

Another way to celebrate the first day of school, and this will work for any age, is to make the morning extra special. Start off the day with a favorite breakfast and take pictures as you get ready to head out the door. Even if your child will have lunch at school, pack along a favorite snack or a comfort object (not The comfort object, as it may get lost). Let your child know that when he or she comes home, or at the end of everyone's day, you will be there and offer a special treat. For my son, an extra half hour of video games works, and my daughter has requested to get to help Daddy with the dishes after dinner. I also allow each child to pick a special food for dinner (sloppy joes and tater tots this year).

School is one of the most important parts of your child's life, full of friends, fun, learning and the skills he or she will need to get through life successfully. Starting that experience off right can be a huge boost to your child's attitude toward school. Here's to a successful start!