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Getting Your Reluctant Child Ready for Kindergarten |
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by jenlemen  (July 2007) (rank 1st) |
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Tried and true tips, mostly created from my experience with Number One. :)
- Pick the right school for your child. It's easy to assume the school around the corner will have to do. Make sure before you commit. Your child will adjust much easier if the school environment is a good match for his learning style and temperament.
- Start the new bedtime routine one month out. If it takes thirty days to establish a new habit, you’d better get cracking now! Start by pushing bedtime earlier in 15 minute increments. Wake up your summer snoozer a little earlier each day and before you know it, you’ll be ready for the new school schedule—no tears.
- Run lots of errands (without conversation) to your child’s new school. Your reluctant child needs to become familiar with his new surroundings without the pressure of participation—at least not yet. Drop off papers, pick up supply lists—whatever it takes to help you child feel like being in this building is pretty normal.
- Give carte blanche to your soon-to-be kindergartner on backpack/lunch box options. I hate those cartoon faces splashed all over bags and boxes, but my kids just love them. It’s okay to give in just this once to let your little guy have something to look forward to when it comes to being at school lunch away from mom.
- Set up playdates with future classmates. Research shows that kids who have friends in the class, do best in kindergarten. Ask your principal to set you up with a same-class companion.
- Bring home new school clothes. My kids hate shopping, but they feel great when they know I've got something in the bag for them. Try to bring home fun t-shirt faves and reserve the right to wear until school begins.
- Take your child school lunch shopping. What child on earth wouldn’t love to pick her snacks, fruit or drink for the ole school lunch? Now is the time to compromise on hard core nutrition—your child may just trade that no sugar, natural yogurt for cornchips, but a fruit snack has a fighting chance. Reserve your lunch stash for school days only.
- Keep it low key. No big conversations needed, just keep checking in with your little guy keeping the tone of school preparations fun and light.
What have you tried that has made the transition to kindergarten easier? My number two is going to school in three short weeks--I'd love to hear your suggestions.
. I guess it is a great idea for the next child to go with you too, then it will be even easier when it is their turn.
Amanda xxxxx
