How To Survive The First Week Of Kindergarten

Your child’s first week at kindergarten can feel exciting as well as a little challenging. The initial weeks of kindergarten are a learning curve not just for the kids but for the parents as well. If you are feeling jittery about your child’s first day at kindergarten, here are some tips to help you and your child get through smoothly with the first week of kindergarten.

Tips To Survive The First Week Of Kindergarten

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1. Toilet Train Your Child

While preparing your child for the first week of kindergarten, ensure that your child can use the toilet and is also able to wipe and wash their hands properly. A month or a few weeks before your child starts kindergarten, start teaching your child to use the toilet independently. Encourage your child to use the potty in the morning, and before or after meals. Make toileting a part of your child’s daily routine. It’s important to also teach them about hand hygiene, like washing their hands.

2. Visit The School

Visiting the new school can be an effective step to remove any fears or anxiety. When you show your child where they will go on the first day, where their play area is, where the toilets are and give a tour around the classroom, it will help them feel more confident during their first day at kindergarten. However, if this isn’t possible take your child through the school prospectus or the school’s online website.

3. Build Interest In School Activities

Discuss different activities or lessons that he or she will get to be a part of and make them sound interesting. It can be a great way to build enthusiasm for the first week of kindergarten. Focus on the things and activities they like, such as playing or modelling through play dough and the opportunity to make new friends.

You can also talk about how they have grown up and it’s time for them to learn to count, read and write. Give an example of how much you enjoyed school and how proud you are that your child is ready to begin his/her first day at kindergarten. 

4. Maintain A Sleep Schedule

Ensure that you develop a regular bedtime routine for your little one. This will help your child get adequate rest at the end of the day and get a good night’s sleep. Kindergarteners who are usually five years old need sleep of at least 9 to 12 hours. 

5. Let Your Child Choose Their School Bag

Go for a pre-first day of kindergarten shopping with your child and let them choose a backpack, water bottle and snack box they like. This is sure to get them excited to start going to school! 

6. Practice Using Boxes And Bottles

If you need to pack lunch for your munchkin, make sure that you teach him or her how to open their lunch box and how to use water bottles. If your child is shy, he/she might hesitate to ask for help and end up hungry. 

7. Save Their Old Favourites

If your child has a favourite toy or a blanket, start weaning them off it slowly so that they don’t feel upset about not being able to take it with them to school. However, if it causes problems, talk to your child’s teacher about it so they can take it to school.

How Can Parents Control Their Emotions?

Once you get to your child’s school, stay strong and positive. We understand it’s difficult to hold back the tears, but getting emotional and crying in front of your child will only make him/her more anxious. Assure them positively that you will see them soon before you bid your child a quick goodbye. Make the goodbyes short and quick.

The first week of kindergarten can be full of surprises and learnings for you and your child. Your child is just learning to adapt to the new environment at school and will have questions too. Preparing in advance can be a great way to make the experience much easier.