10 tips to prepare your child for kindergarten

Buzznews

2022-08-23 15:26:29

Starting school is a big step in our child’s life and it can be scary for them. Fortunately, we can accompany our children so that they experience this big change calmly and with confidence. Here are 10 tips to make this change go smoothly.

Shopping for school supplies together — Crédit: olia Danilevich / Pexels

Ah, the infamous, never-ending school lists! It's not always fun to have to buy everything on that list, but letting your child choose a few of his or her school supplies can help him or her look at school positively. After all, if going to school means getting a dinosaur school bag, it seems like a lot of fun all of a sudden.

Visit the new school

If possible, you could visit your child's new school to quietly get them used to it. You can visit the outside yard and even the inside of the school together. Knowing that you are with your child in this big step of his life will reassure him.

Talking to your child about school

You can start talking to your child about his new school. Remember to talk about it in positive terms! You can also start conversations with your child or answer questions. Starting a new phase of life can be scary for your child and it is important to encourage and prepare him/her calmly.

Read books on the subject.

Reading books about school with your child can help him or her understand more about this new stage in life. After reading, you can also ask your child how he or she liked the story and what he or she thought about it. Is he or she looking forward to starting school? Great conversations ahead!

Listening to a movie on the subject

Listening to a movie about starting school sets the stage for a great conversation. You can talk to your child by asking them about their fears or wishes. When the child can relate to a character, it can create great conversations that are enriching for the whole family.

Talk positively about school, teachers and learning.

Our children listen much more to what we say than what we believe. In fact, they rely heavily on what we say. It is therefore essential to have positive words about school, learning and teachers. Your child will find it easier to see school in a positive light, just like you!

Don't let fear get the best of you

This tip is sometimes hard to follow, but it's just as important as the others. Don't be afraid. Children feel all of our fears, and they might develop an irrational fear of school themselves. Of course, you may be a little anxious about this big change in your child's life. However, it is best to try to live with this anxiety when your child is not around. In fact, don't let this fear get to you, breathe and stay confident: your child is ready! If you are confident, your child will also be confident in order to live this new stage serenely. Indeed, the child will model his emotions by observing you.

Have a good relationship with the teacher.

From the first time you meet your child's new teacher, it is important to try to cultivate a good relationship with the teacher. Also, if you have disagreements, it is still essential not to disrespect the teacher in front of your child. This would send a message to your child that he or she can disrespect the teacher. You can and should talk to the teacher if you have a disagreement with them. It is only best to do so respectfully and in the child's absence.

Getting involved in school life

If your schedule permits, you may want to get involved in your child's school life to show your interest. If this is not possible, you could also invite your child's school friends to your home to show your interest. Above all, don't forget to have fun!

School learning will happen in due time

Your child can't write his name yet? He doesn't count to 1000 like his cousin? Don't panic! No learning is required to start kindergarten! Besides, did you know that your child learns every day by playing? So no need to prepare him by recreating a little school at home, your child already learns a lot by playing and he will have enough time at school during his life! Everything will be fine!