I know it seems early, but school starts in my area in mid-August, which means that there’s about 8 weeks of summer vacation left.  Between now and then there will be camps, fireworks, and back-to-school shopping.  If you have a little one getting ready for kindergarten, this summer is a very important transitional time. 

Here are some things you can do to help your child transition from a preschooler or little kid, to a full-fledged student at “big kid school.”

1. Keep up their friendships.  If there are friends from their preschool or play group, arrange play dates for them.  Take them to the pool or play in the back yard.  It will help your little one to know they will know people when they get to their new school.

1. Visit the school.  In the days before school actually starts, teachers will be in their classrooms, busily decorating and getting things ready for your child.  Drop by and meet them.  Show them what kind of desk they will sit in, where they will hang their bag, where they will eat lunch.  The first day of school should not be the first time they see their new space.

1. Drive the bus route or other transportation route.  If your child rides the bus, drive the most likely route, and point out familiar landmarks on the way–”see, there’s the grocery store,” “there’s Amy’s house,” “there’s Daddy’s work.”  Show them where the bus will park and the door they will walk in.  If you carpool with another family, point out that family’s car and remind your child which kids will be with them.  If your child walks with older children, walk the route and show them where they will enter the building and what they will do. 

1. Set aside a couple of different days for back-to-school shopping.  Shopping can be an overstimulating event for kids.  Consider doing clothes and supplies on a different day.   Let your kids be involved in picking out their own things–they can certainly decide whether they want the blue or green pencil case.  That way their items are theirs alone, and their special day is special to them.

1. Make it special, even if it’s not your first first day.  Younger siblings sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but remember, it’s their first time, even if you’ve sent other children to kindergarten before.  Make a big deal of it.

1. Keep your emotional messages positive.  For me, I get all weepy, because time is passing too fast, and every new landmark seems to take them away from me that much faster.  But starting kindergarten is a good and positive thing, and your child doesn’t need to worry about you.  He’s got enough on his plate.

1. Start the routine early.  We get out of our bedtime and morning routines in the summer, so start easing back into them at least a week before school starts.  Kids need 9-10 hours of sleep, and they need plenty of time to get ready in the morning–rushing around only adds to the stress.  Practice your routine in the days before it starts for real.

1. Go with them to class the first day.  You probably won’t walk them to class every single day, but on the first day, it’s a good idea.  But don’t hover, and don’t linger.  Cry later, if you want, but keep things bright and excited for your little one. 

1. Leave the cameras at home.  Film your child coming out the front door on his wya to his first day, but don’t crowd the hallways or classroom of his school with your nostaligic needs.  That’s space used for a certain kind of movement and activity, and the teachers won’t appreciate you taking it over.

1. Take your cues from your child.  Don’t offer effusive reassurances unless your child has expressed a need for them.  Don’t suggest things they might be worried out–you might induce them to a worry they woudn’t have thought of!  Just prepare them, and respond to their questions and concerns as they raise them.

Kindergarten is a pretty big deal, both for parents and kids.  If you follow some of the tips above, it can go smoothly, and without too much stress for your child–or for you!

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