4 minute read
Thriving In Kindergarten: Kids and Parents
PHOTOS ADP STUDIO
Getting ready for the transition to kindergarten can present some big feelings for both children and their parents. Feelings like excitement, nervousness and maybe even bewilderment might be swirling inside you. As with most new life experiences, though, preparation and a positive attitude can tame the wild butterflies inside and set everyone up for a fun and successful start to school. Here are some valuable tips for parents to support their child with this important milestone:
Familiarize your child with the school environment: Take your child to visit the school and spend time playing on the playground during the summer. This will help them get acquainted with the dropoff area and the recess location, easing their anxiety about the new surroundings.
Read relevant books together: Engage your child in reading books that address the emotions and experiences associated with starting school, such as First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, The Invisible String by Patrice Karts, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing and Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes. These books can normalize their jitters and emphasize the enduring bond between you, even when you’re apart during the school day.
Acknowledge and validate their feelings: Empathize with your child’s emotions and let them know you understand the challenges that come with embarking on something new. Express your confidence in their strength and skills, reinforcing a positive mindset as they approach this transition.
Establish a consistent nighttime routine: Starting a consistent nighttime routine in early August will help your child adjust to the changes in their schedule. Remember that 5-year-olds typically require 10-12 hours of sleep each night, so ensuring they get enough rest will contribute to their overall well-being and readiness for the school day. Your child’s teacher will thank you!
Understand the demands of kindergarten: You may have gone to kindergarten for half a day in yesteryear but your child will be in school all day. Help them understand that part of why kindergarten days can feel long is because they are filled with new experiences. Explain that they will be learning many new things in addition to academics, such as forming lunchroom lines, practicing patience, making new friends, hearing bigger words, following instructions and managing emotions. Comparing this learning process to a new job in a different field can help them (and you!) appreciate the effort required. Let them know you are proud of them and all they will be accomplishing.
Model emotional self-regulation: Set a positive example by practicing emotional self-regulation yourself. Show your child how to manage reactions and emotions calmly, even in challenging situations. Instead of losing it when someone cuts you off in traffic, take a deep breath and show your children that you can acknowledge frustration or fear and stay calm. Remember that children are always observing, even when it seems they are not actively listening.
Encourage a growth mindset: Teach your child about the power of a growth mindset, emphasizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. Provide examples of individuals who have overcome challenges by demonstrating resilience and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Tell them about things that were initially hard for you but got easier when you persevered.
Offer small choices: Recognize that there are many aspects of their daily routine that your child may not have control over. To foster independence and reduce frustration, provide them with small choices, such as deciding between pasta or a sandwich for lunch or choosing whether to pick up toys in five or 10 minutes. These opportunities for decision-making empower them and serve as practice for making more significant choices as they grow.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a smoother transition into kindergarten for your child, promoting their confidence, independence and positive mindset. Remember that parental support and encouragement play a crucial role in shaping a child’s experience and outlook on school.
If your child attends elementary school in Bozeman or at Saddle Peak in Belgrade, you can contact your school’s Thrive Liaison for additional information and a friendly ear. The Liaison program supports a strong link between home and school. Liaisons also facilitate parenting classes, provide parent coaching, connect parents to school and community resources and encourage parent-teacher collaboration. The Liaisons also coordinate the mentoring program for students called the Child Advancement Project (CAP). Call 406-587-3840. If your school doesn’t have a Liaison, you can call the Parent Educator at the same number.
