Kindergarten and the First Time Mom

[Twinkle]

My son starts kindergarten in August, and as his mother, I am nervous and excited for him at the same time.

I am trying to be encouraging, but it will be a transition for him. School is all day long, and unlike pre-school, no snacks or naptime.

I also worry about him getting along with other kids, and I have heard that some schools even give homework for kindergartners.

I realize that I'm probably being a ninny, but I want to prepare him and have school be a good experience.

Any moms or dads have any advice on me preparing my little guy to start Public School?

[Seren_]

I can't give you any practical advice as a parent on this, seeing as my eldest is only two-and-a-half, but I remember when I started school, I came home from my first day in tears because I couldn't read...

I was so looking forward to going to school because my big sister kept on going on about how it was for big girls and so on, and I was so desperate to be a big girl because of that (because everything was always about being a big girl)...

I even remember learning how to write 'W' and 'V' the day before I started school (because I drew a squiggle and recognised the shapes), and I was so excited. I thought I'd go to school and magically know how to read and write after the first day, and because I had a head start I thought I was already a big girl...

I wouldn't recommend having my sister as someone to grow up with, but the big thing that made starting school a positive experience for me was that it was talked about in positive terms. Yes it was scary (I remember having a bit of a wibble after mum left, but there were all these new toys to play with, how good's that? It didn't last long), but because I knew it was something to look forward to, it didn't really phase me. It's a natural part of your son's development and it's an exciting time for him. If he doesn't know numbers and letters and even basic words, then he'll certainly be learning them when he starts kindergarten, and whatever it's like, he'll be doing what kids love to do; learning and playing. It's different, but for most kids it's not too much of a transition because schools tend to keep things fairly informal at this stage, encouraging lots of play to start with.

I had homework in my first year, but it usually consisted of a tin of words (flashcards) that I had to learn. Apparently it took me a while to pick up this whole reading/writing lark, and my mum helped to keep me engaged by turning it all into a game. I loved the attention and approval that getting something right got me anyway, but my mum would stick the flashcard to the door and the furniture, and I could only open the door, sit down, have a treat, turn the TV on, or whatever, once I'd got the word that was stuck to it right. I wouldn't advocate the treat idea (I have a wickedly sweet tooth...), but the idea of making it a game certainly worked.

The whole prospect of starting school and formal education depends on your attitude as a parent as much as your child's temperament, I think. I worried when I put my son into nursery for a short period of time, but really he loved it because he got to socialise and have a change of scenery each day. My fears were totally unfounded, and I expect it will be the same when he starts school...

[seapearls]

I am right with you. Loralie starts kindergarten in August too and she is our oldest. She will be attending a DoD school on base though, it is full day also and has to wear khaki's and polo shirts for a uniform.

I am not too worried about her starting school other than learning how to handle frustration and anger around people she doesn't know. She is so excited and ready to go tho, I cannot keep her occupied enough here at home.

[LadyWinter]

Congrats on the kindergarteners!! They are soooooo cute!

I every year, took my kids to school during the summer....I would walk them through and show them where their class would be so that took some of the mystery out of it and where the cafeteria was. I would tell them no matter what I would see them after school. Also sometimes I would put a little snack in their bag with just a little note from mom in it.....some kids like to find the surprise and know their mom is thinking of them....Of course now that my daughter is 14 I text her during the day instead of the note but she still likes it!

Winter

[Willow Rosette]

My baby just graduated from kindergarten. I thought I would be a wreck on the first day of school but only got misty eyed. I dont know how they do it there but for us there was a parent meeting with the kindergarten teachers like a week before school started and then the friday before the kids got to come and hang out in the class room and get to know it and meet the teacher. I think it was more important for me to do those things than for Toria. Take advantage of anything like that your school does as well as volunteer in the class room if possible. I did that and I was able to slowly ween myself off as well as being assured that she was happy and adjusted.

[Amethyst Rose]

Quintin starts Kindergarten on September 2nd... 2-3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and every 2nd Friday), all day.

I know that the school has a snack time (they've recently started a nutritional program, and are one of only 10 schools in the province participating in the program), and Quintin hasn't had a nap since he was 3, so that's no problem. My biggest concern is lunch. It's a nut free school, so I can't make his favorite for lunch. What the heck do I pack for him? Heh

We have an orientation next week, though, so hopefully that'll ease him into things. It'll be hard having him gone all day, though.

[Lyrien]

It's much more difficult to send your youngest to kindergarten than it is your oldest.

The fear is mainly with you, not them, just relax. It will all be old hat within a couple of days.