It seems like just yesterday when I helped my little girl through her first day of Kindergarten. It was a life-changing milestone for me – it caused me to make a career change, shift my priorities, and come to terms with the fact that my first-born – the one who had made me a mama – was going to be in elementary school. Big steps for my little girl, and big steps for me too.
As we approach my daughter’s last month of Kindergarten, I find myself looking back on how she has grown, changed, and blossomed into her own little being through this trasitory phase. And I think about all of my friends who are about to embark on this same milestone this September. Who are nervous about this big step, who are wondering what to expect. So for you (and only based on my own experiences as I’m sure it is slightly different for everyone), I present to you, what to expect when your kid becomes a kindy.
The first day of school will be overwhelming. Both for you, and for your little one. Whether your child is transitioning from full time child care, part time preschool, or home time, this is a big step. You will feel nervous, and so will your child, but you will both adjust, and will love the change. It’ll just take some time.
Your child will become independent. At the beginning, you will drop your little one off (either at before-school-care, or at the classroom door), and you will be showered with hugs and kisses. They will hold your hand firmly, and they will hesitate before entering the room. But quickly, a new kind of confidence will emerge, and your clingy little kidlet will no longer want to hold your hand. Will forget to kiss you goodbye and will ask if it’s Monday yet, eager to return to class. Don’t take this personally, they are growing up, and they are learning how to walk on their own two feet.
They will learn new skills, quickly. Even if you have a little chatterbox like I do, you won’t always be up-to-date on everything they’ve learned in school. One day they’ll be printing their own name on paper, the next they’ll be tapping out syllables on their arms, and before you know it, they’ll be reading bedtime stories to you at night.
Their own individual personalities will emerge. This is so beautiful to witness. Suddenly, they are cracking jokes, discovering their own interests, telling stories with a new kind of enthusiasm, and walking with their heads a little higher. They will be choosing their own friends, making plans, and dreaming up future aspirations. This is when you really realize that your little baby has blossomed into their own little person.
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| Once shy, my little girl is now confident and comfortable in her own skin |
One last little piece of advise for you Kindy mamas and papas to be: try to drop them off at least every once in awhile. It’s nice to see who their friends are, to meet their teacher, and to meet a few other parents. If you can, volunteer at least once so you can witness how your child interacts with his/her peers in the classroom, and try to have a playdate so your child can strengthen those new relationships.Expert parents – how was it for you when your child started Kindergarten? Any tips to add?
2 Comments
Love this list. It’s truly universal and will help anyone who has a child starting out in Kindergarten. I remember those years well with my older two and will get to do it one more time…
My kid already has difficulties going to daycare as it is now, so I can’t imagine how hard it will be for me when going to kindergarten would be if she continues with that discomfort. Great tip of being present once in a while to find out more about the school and classmates and of course, our kid as well.