Kindergarten is not just scary for kids only but for parents as well. First, since you may not be a teacher in that school or a teacher at all, it feels like you are walking blind into this new experience. This is how to survive your child’s first day of kindergarten.
- Be aware of your child’s emotions
Your child may come home and fall apart. In the same way that you have a difficult day on your first day at a new office is the same way your child is feeling on their first day in kindergarten. So allow them to decompress because home is a safe place to release the day’s tension. Give them something to eat before you bombard them with all these questions about how their day was.
- Keep the questions to yourself until they are ready
You wouldn’t want to be met at the door with 100 questions. You should not put your child on your timeline. You definitely have a number of questions that you would like to ask them but it is important to give your child options. The best time to ask questions about the first day would be a dinner time, bath time or even before bed. Give your child sometime to relax so that they can give you all the details. Don’t ask simple questions that can only be answered as “no” or “yes”.
- Pack their favorite meal for lunch and snacks
When you want to make your daughter’s or son’s first day at kindergarten feel special, pack them their favorite snack and lunch. Pack something that will cheer them up if they were having a bad day or something to remind them of home and of you.
- Talk to the teacher
It doesn’t said like a bit much if you want to talk to your child’s teacher of the first day. It is an opportunity for you to get to know their teacher and to know how you can partner with them to make your child’s kindergarten year successful.
- Be your child’s advocate
Be ready to fight for what is important to your child’s safety such as allergies, bathroom help etc. insist on what is best for your child because you are more aware of their needs.
- Encourage your child
In case your child is not feeling up to it to go to school, find a way to encourage them. Listen to their concerns and address them in a creative way. After school, keep on encouraging them to have a good time in school.
- Celebrate the day
You can go the extra mile and celebrate their first day of kindergarten with them. It doesn’t have to be much. Do something simple but memorable. Take photos to mark the day.
- Don’t let your emotions get in the way
Taking your child to school on the first day may be emotional for you as well but you shouldn’t let these emotions get in the way. Find a way to manage your emotions without affecting your child.
With these tips, you are set to survive your child’s first day in kindergarten!