1. Keep it positive. When you talk to your child
about the upcoming school year and her transition to
Kindergarten, be optimistic and positive. When children
sense we are anxious, they may become anxious as well.
This can be really tough if you’re feeling anxious or
worried about her, so it’s important to check in with
your own emotions as well, and get support if you need
it. Keep in mind that there is no pressure to overhype it,
and certainly you should validate your child’s concerns
and listen to her fears and worries, but keeping a general
sense of optimism will help your child feel more at ease.
2. Get acquainted. If the school does an orientation,
that is a great chance for you and your child to go and
meet teachers and classmates. If not, it’s a good idea to
arrange a tour of a school and a meeting with your child’s
teacher. Prepare a one-page cheat sheet about your child
for the teacher and include name and nickname, photo,
medical conditions, likes and dislikes, interests and
talents, etc. This will help the teacher get to know your
child and give him or her some conversation starters for
building a relationship. If you can arrange for your child
to get acquainted with the teacher as well, that’s even
better. If he can begin to form a relationship with the
teacher before school starts, it will make the separation
from you a bit easier. If you can set up a playdate with
another child in his class a few times before school starts,
having that familiar face in class will be a comfort and
help to ease your child’s nerves.
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