Nervous About Sending Your Kiddo Off To Kindergarten? Here’s How To Prep And Ensure They Feel Comfortable On Their First Day

Krakenimages.com - stock.adobe.com-  illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Krakenimages.com - stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual people

The first day of kindergarten is a big leap– not only for your tiny tot but also for you.

Parents often experience a mixed bag of feelings when it comes time to send their kids off to kindergarten– ranging from dread and anticipation to excitement and fear.

But this transition in your household is inevitable, and there are plenty of steps you can take to help your soon-to-be kindergartener feel comfortable and confident walking into their first day of school.

Ease Into The Routine

Going from late-morning wake-ups and leisurely breakfasts to early morning rise times and bus trips can be a bit of a shock for young ones.

So, before school goes into session, it’s a great idea to begin getting your child accustomed to the school routine.

Bedtime, wake-up time, and meal schedules should mimic what they’ll experience during the school year for the last week or two of summer. That way, when the first day of school rolls around, your kiddo won’t be surprised.

Make School Supplies Fun

One of the easiest ways to get children excited about something is by involving them in the lead-up process.

Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual people

So, if you have to go shopping for school supplies, turn it into a thrilling adventure!

Allow your child to pick out their own backpack or lunchbox. You could also invest in personalized supplies with their favorite colors or characters to make them more eager to use them in school.

By letting your kiddo have a say in their supplies, they will feel more independent and empowered walking into school.

Visit The Campus

If possible, take a tour of the elementary school with your child before the first day.

Meeting the teacher ahead of time is always great. And if that’s not doable, simply explore the classroom, show your child where the restrooms are, and get them excited about fun spaces– such as the playground or cafeteria.

Familiar surroundings breed comfort and confidence.

Talk About Feelings

Your child might have a lot of questions and emotions about starting school, especially if they haven’t watched an older sibling head to school before them.

So, don’t hesitate to open the floor for discussion. Talk about what they’re excited about or what might be causing concern. Sometimes, a simple chat does wonders.

Create A Goodbye Ritual

Tears during the first drop-off are completely normal. But if you’re really concerned about this, you can create a fun and quick goodbye ritual at home before school starts.

Begin using it whenever you leave the house or even the room without your child. A secret handshake or a special goodbye phrase can make the separation a bit easier.

Plus, your kiddo will have something to look forward to on their first day.

Pack A Comfort Item

If the school allows it, you can also allow your child to bring one small comfort item with them on their first day.

This might be a baby blanket, a family picture, or a favorite toy. Whatever it may be, having something from home is often a huge comfort for kids going to school for the first time.

Stay Positive As Parents

Kids are intuitive and tend to mirror their parents’ moods. So, if you are anxious or stressed, they will definitely pick up on it.

That’s why, on the morning of, be sure to keep your cool and remain calm. Exude excitement, and your child will do the same.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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