The Stay at Home Mother

So it's count down time for kids - and parents - to start thinking about school. For my son, its a whole new chapter in his life. He is starting kindergarten. And as many parents know - any type of routine change is major in a child's life. So what are some of the things we can do as parents to make the transition easier on them?....

I spoke about this on Breakfast Television yesterday, as I am going through this as well personally - so it is a subject very near and dear to my heart.

It's normal for young children to be both excited and fearful about the idea of going to kindergarten. It’s what the "big kids" do, and is a mark of a child’s advancement. Kindergarten can also represent a big unknown, which can be frightening. Children can be helped to mentally and emotionally prepare for this transition to school by talking about what to expect in the school environment.

Some of my suggestions to cope with the transition:

• Books or videos from the library which deal with this subject. Parents can read or watch them with their children. "The Kissing Hand" is a great book about the apprehension of a little raccoon who is scared of going to school. His mom kisses his hand and tells him that she will always be with him because he carries her kiss in the palm of her hand. Great book.

• Sending a reminder or something that represents security with your child on their first week like a toy, picture etc is a good idea too.

• Parents should give their children extra love and support during the early transition to kindergarten. Children may also require additional reassurance after having such a long holiday from school.

• Make sure to reserve extra unwinding time in the evenings and weekends for family and fun time.

• It is also important that parents do not allow children's extracurricular activities to conflict with kindergarten. Children who are over-scheduled with lessons and play dates can become exhausted and stressed out.

• How you view the beginning of kindergarten, and how you communicate that to your child, will have a great impact on how they handle their transition to kindergarten.

• Think of this transition as an opportunity for your child to grow. It's important to help your child cope with the difficulties they will face in terms of loss and separation.

• It’s important to talk to your child about starting kindergarten. Try to answer all their questions. Kids have fears about what's going to happen next because they don’t have any experience to build on.

• Don't just say, you'll be fine, don't worry. Address your child's concerns. Give your child plenty of opportunities to talk about kindergarten before the school year starts. Share some of your own personal stories of when you were their age.
  

• Ritualizing back-to-school time is another way you can help make your child's transition to kindergarten a bit easier. There is lots of fun and excitement around going out to buy new school items like shoes/shirt/backpack for the new school year. I remember how much fun it was to pick out something new for school. Make a big deal out of it.
  
  
• Also driving past the school a week ahead before school starts can help to familiarize your child with it and help set them at ease.

• And finally - remember that no matter what preparation occurs, it is normal for both children and parents to cry a little bit on the first day or two. I will be taking plenty of tissues with me for the first day! :)