Kindergarten Help!
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@3Under3 Yes to all of the other advice already given! Also, don’t underestimate your child and their ability to be more adaptable than you. My daughter surprised me with how adaptable she was! They grow and mature so much in the year so if your kid struggles first semester just know they will likely do great second semester!
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I did not anticipate the change to be as challenging on myself as it was. I work full time and my kids have always been in full time care so I thought it would be easy breezy but it was more challenging than I expected. It's just different than daycare. More demands, more to keep up with, more rules-for parents too-hello tardy bell! I would suggest not taking on any big projects at work for the first few weeks if you can swing it. To give everyone some extra margin to adapt
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My advice is to not schedule things after school for a while as well. They are physically and emotionally tired! Make sure they can come home and chill/break down, whatever they need. Also something that has helped my girls after school is a healthy protein snack. They are usually needing it and helps them not lose it and regulate. Reading their mood and when they’re ready to talk about the day etc, not pushing it. Making sure they get a substantial breakfast - even if it’s small, protein to start them off well for the day.
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Agree with other mamas. They are beyond pooped those first few weeks. Those that don’t normally nap can be found falling asleep after those first few days from the mental and physical excitement overload. There’s a sweet tip out there about putting a heart on their hand and your hand and letting them know if they ever miss you throughout the day to touch the heart. I think it’s so sweet. I would also set the tone that it’s only for maybe the first week of school, because a year of that might get tough
Don’t forget to take time to celebrate YOU too! Maybe a pedicure or massage that first week back!
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Years ago one of my son’s teachers did ready confetti which helped him and he slept with it under his pillow for weeks. Look on Pinterest! Even better if Amazon sells it already made.
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Agree with all of these comments. There’s a real phenomenon called restraint collapse and it’s basically that they have had to hold together at school all day and when they finally get home to their ‘safe place’ they can finally let it all out. Always have to tell myself to just ride it out
Another helpful thing I have found is trying to give them back some sense of control. They are told all day to follow directions so letting them have reasonable choices can help- ‘do you want the pink or blue cup’ ‘do you want to read this book or that one’, etc can help fill up their cup.
I also think an easy way to get them to share about their day is to do a rose/thorn or strawberry/lemon for the day. I always make sure to do mine too. Can open the door for good little convos about what made them happy and what was hard.
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@EveryoneShhh
My daughter's teacher did/does this as well and it was very helpful! It's a little bag of confetti with a note/poem about starting school. A little boost of confidence and generates excitement. -
Excellent suggestions above!!! Grace upon grace upon grace….. for everyone!!!!!!!!! Def meet with a snack and say as little as possible… unless your kid is bubbling with info! Set some time for them to decompress, then get outside for some fresh air!!! I got a lot of info in the bath at night… low pressure, just chatting and learning about their day. Main thing is follow THEIR lead and grace for you, your kid and your family!!!!!!
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Also… GRACE FOR THE TEACHERS!!!!!!! That is a hard freaking job and you’re worried about your ONE kid while they have a whole class to worry about!!!!!! Just try to have perspective and patience and lead with love and grace!!!!!
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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!
