Now that your child has made it for the first day of kindergarten, you should be excited. But remember there is still a long way to go. After the first day of kindergarten, you probably have a general feeling about your child’s feelings and attitudes towards the school. This will help evaluate what you should do for the second day and the third day and the rest of the days to come. You definitely want to make your child’s time in kindergarten worthwhile.
What should you do for the second day?
- Celebrate the small milestone
Even though your child has just been in school for a day, it is good to celebrate the small achievements. Celebrate the fact that they made it to the second day of kindergarten and encourage them to keep going.
- Hang around but don’t hover
It may be the second day but you may still be emotional about your child being away from you for a few hours. So you can still go to the classroom and stay for a while. Many preschools allow it. As your child becomes more secure, gradually melt into the background and let the teacher take over. Don’t hover around the preschool. Allow your child to develop some independence away from you.
- Keep the goodbyes short and sweet
The first few days of preschool will be emotional for both you and your child. When it is your time to exit, hold back those tears and give your new preschooler a hug and the leave. Let them know that you will be back in a short while to pick them up. Once you’ve made your peace, don’t linger because he or she can’t get on with their day until you do.
- Set aside time to listen to their first-day stories
By the end of their second day at kindergarten, your preschooler will have several stories they would love to share with you. Take time to listen to those stories and stay engaged in the conversation. It is important for your child to know that he or she has all your attention.
In addition, you will be surprised at how much your child will have learned by the second day.
- Allow them to be independent
By the second your day, your kid will probably want to walk themselves to the bus stop without your tearfully walking them to the bus. Give your child some space to exercise this little independence they have developed. Don’t leave them to walk to the bus stop alone but also don’t suffocate them with your overbearing presence.
- Ask about any of your child’s new friends
Get to know is your child has made any new friends and what the friends are like. If your child hasn’t been able to make friends yet, encourage them and reassure them that they will get to make new friends with time.
Once you and your child have made it through the second day, you should be optimistic about the days to come.