Surviving the First Day
of Kindergarten
Written by: Corey Ralston
You’ve survived the sleepless baby years and muddled through toddlerhood. And now, ready or not, the day you’ve both prayed for and dreaded is looming: the first day of kindergarten. You know the daunting task that lies ahead for you and your child, but little do they know that this educational journey on which they’re embarking is going to last for the next 12 to 16 years. The idea of being separated from mom and dad and spending the majority of their days in a new place can be overwhelming for a 5-year-old, and the transition is also one that can be heartbreaking for parents. As parents, we know that the first day of kindergarten is just part of the natural evolution of things, but it can still be difficult convincing your heart that it’s time to start letting go, and your child that they’re ready to begin spreading their wings.
With the big day just around the corner, it’s a good time to start talking to your son or daughter about the adventure that lies ahead. Getting him or her – and you – mentally prepared can make the start of school a smooth transition for the entire family.
Getting Prepared
Children may experience some pretty intense anxiety when starting school. Visiting the school several times before the year starts is one way to quell some of that fear of the unknown. Before summer winds down, try taking your child to the playground for some morning playtime, and while you’re there, walk the campus with them and try to guess which classroom might be theirs. Kristi Beam, a kindergarten teacher at Bret Harte Elementary School in Corcoran, says it helps if students have seen the campus prior to their first day of school.
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