This year our son starts kindergarten. In previous years, he had been part of a program that started when he was 2 years old. At age 2 he went on Fridays for 1 hour with me and my husband, then at age 3 he attended two days a week alone, and then the following year at age 4 he attended 3 days a week by himself. He was with almost all the same kids and teachers during that time, and we all became very close. Living in such a large school system, there are a few elementary schools and only a few of the friends he made prior will go to the same school. My husband and I were a little nervous about this and how that transition is going to be for him. Even though we have these internal fears, we have not allowed them to come out to him. We showed excitement and stories about our time in elementary school about the fun things we were able to do and all the friends that we will be able to make.
Another thing that has helped is that he and our daughter have made some awesome new friends in our neighborhood and one of his best friends is starting kindergarten as well! He knows that he gets to ride the bus and will be able to play on the playground during recess with his friend. He is also already signed up for a sports program that he wanted to do with his friend so they can spend that time together as well! Not only has his friend helped him, but it helped us out as well knowing that we have a strong parent bond with his friends’ parents and we won’t be in this alone!
During this process of getting ready for kindergarten, we have completed our first school clothes shopping experience. We were able to allow him the opportunity to pick out his clothes, shoes, book bag, lunch box, and many other things, which perked his excitement up for school even more. The only downfall is that he is already wanting to wear his new shoes to go out and play in them, LOL.
All of this has been able to keep his mind intrigued and excited for this next chapter in his life and he is eager to have the chance to be able to go to kindergarten. It has been able to help keep our minds in a positive outlook for this as well.
These important reminders and a wonderful lesson learned on not allowing your own fears to flow through to your child, share positive experiences, make the “getting ready” for things a fun and positive experience, and having a friend system in place, can really help your child have and experience great things!
