8 tips for moms of new kids in kindergarten

I remember the anticipation of my children starting kindergarten so vividly – exciting and stressful at the same time! It is a big step for moms and their little ones and also the official start of their children’s school career. It’s no wonder moms want everything to go well.

Here are 8 tips for moms of new kids in kindergarten:

1. Get social before school starts

Get together with friends who will be starting kindergarten at the same time as your child before the school year begins. By giving your child many opportunities to socialize and interact in groups of children, he will be better prepared to join 20 or more children, especially if this is his first time in a large group. Having a friend or acquaintance on the first day can be a great comfort to new students.

2. Smart package

Keep things simple when it comes to your child’s lunch box and backpack. While it can be tempting to create Pinterest-worthy artwork for lunch, remember that lunch breaks are short and little ones don’t eat fast. Make sure they know how to open their own containers and give them food that they are sure to gobble down. You don’t want her to go hungry because she can’t open the yogurt or thermos and she’s too shy to ask for help. Also, make sure her backpack is the right size for her so she won’t have a problem carrying it.

3. Connect with your child’s teacher

Make an effort to connect one-on-one with your child’s teacher as soon as you can, and be sure to share essential information about your child, such as allergies, special conditions, or even small fears. Teachers appreciate the additional information as it can make a big difference in the daily rhythm of the classroom and your child’s day.

4. Teach basic self-care

Talk to your child about going to the bathroom, washing hands, sneezing into the arm instead of hands, and other self-help skills like tying shoes, zipping up, and buttoning clothes. For many children, kindergarten may be their first time doing these things outside the home.

5. Practice skills

Give your child lots of practice with typical school tools like scissors, glue sticks, markers, etc. before she starts school. Not only should you have these great skills, but they will also help you focus more on learning rather than just working on the basic mechanics of using these items.

6. Foster responsibility

Your child is never too young to help and it is never too early to start! Teach her how to clean up after snack or lunch, how to sort toys and books in her room, and how to empty her backpack at the end of the day. When he starts school, he will be better prepared for what is expected of him during the daily routine.

7. Get the layout of the terrain

Most schools offer an orientation day for prospective kindergarteners. It’s a great opportunity to ease any first-day jitters that you and your child may have. Visit his classroom, find out where he will put his belongings, where he will have lunch, and more. This will help her feel much more comfortable on the first day of school.

8. Get involved

Volunteer time in the classroom is the best way to get to know your child’s teacher and classmates better, as well as get a glimpse of daily life in the classroom (and you can also spy on your cuteness) . Spend some of your time helping with reading or special crafts – Teachers always appreciate the extra hands for the first few years, and it feels great doing that, too.