Kindergarten Help!
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These are all great tips! Another piece of advice I got was to start the year the same way you’ll continue it, so if your kiddo will be riding the bus, going through the cafeteria line, etc. do that from the first day to set the tone even though it’s tempting to make things “special.”
I will say I was prepared for a very tired kid (previously had done just a half day preschool), but she is such an extrovert that she was BUZZING when she came home and still found it hard to settle at bedtime for weeks (or months 🤪) after having been around her friends all day!
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One day at a time! One day they may have a great day and the next not great. Also don’t expect them to tell you much about it… especially if you’ve got a boy. “How way your day?” “Fine.” Is VERY normal. Enjoy the ride… it’s a fun and exciting next step!
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I think it's helpful to have an easy, fun dinner for the first day of school...think Domino's and bluebell ice cream. Have low expectations! Remember that kids are keeping it together all day for their teachers so if they come home and throw a tantrum, it's totally normal! It's a big adjustment...give yourself and your child lots of grace!
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Exciting!! I would say…
- a short goodbye and focus on the positive. End with “I’ll see you at the bus stop/car pick” or wherever
- the books The Invisible String and The Kissing Hand
- have them practice opening their lunchboxes, unpacking their snack etc
- shoes without laces unless they can tie their own shoes
- leak proof water bottle-truly leak proof
- meet the other parents as quickly as possible!
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Sunglasses, you’re gonna cry
Helps to have plans after drop off, even if it’s just planning to pick up a coffee.
Try and get there earlier to let your child adjust so you’re not running in right before the bell.
You got this! -
Love all the tips above. To add here, I recommend getting up extra early. I struggle with this but when we have adequate time in the morning it makes the start to the day and send off so much better. Inevitable, someone will forget their snack, or need their hair redone, or get something on their shirt right before you walk out the door. Building in some extra time in the morning for you and them has really helped us!
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100% agree with limited activities after school. I had my first in gymnastics and hip hop on separate days and it was pulling teeth to get her there because she was so tired. Also, limited questions about the school day until they are ready to chat. AND stick to an early bedtime. We try to have ours in bed by 7:30pm every weeknight. They need the sleep!
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Bring a snack to pick up! Throw them some protein the second they get into the car. They are so tired and melt immediately. My kids are always starving and the transition home goes smoother with a snack!
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I think these moms have hit the nail on the head!
Tantrums at the end of the day are not a reflection of the day, just a release when they get back to your safe space! They will all be ok!! I learned not to ask many questions after getting them because they are wiped out! A snack and some down time is exactly what they need! And do not make any plans for the first few Fridays after school, they will be worn out and ready for an early bedtime and maybe a movie at home! Kindergarten teachers are incredible and will do so many wonderful things behind the scene to make sure your baby is happy and settling in to their new routine! Take your teacher surprises in the beginning, nothing huge, think coffee, a coke on ice…it will go a very long way! Your child is going to love it and even if they don’t the first day, remember and remind them they can do hard things!!! -
also…..my favorite trick I have learned from veteran moms, is if possible, set up a group text with all the parents in your child’s class! It will take a few days to get everyone but worth the effort! This will help you create a class community, have a safe place for questions and increase the likelihood that you have heads up on things like stuffy day, show and tell etc!!!
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These tips are all the best! Label everything! Get a backpack that’s big enough. They bring a lot home and if the jacket can’t always fit in the backpack then it can get lost.
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So many helpful tips. In my experience, kindergarten was a moment of sudden exposure to new behaviors from new peers. These behaviors came home and were experimented with. Have grace with any new challenging behaviors, but stay consistent in your family mission!
