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Forget Your Child
Are You Ready for Kindergarten?
By Linda Sharp
Despite all efforts to project joy and excitement about starting school, some children are naturally more clingy than others. Talk about the first day, and while being matter-of-fact, make it very clear, in no uncertain terms, that you cannot stay. Talk about how proud you are of him. Tell her how much fun she is going to have. Talk about eating lunch and snacks at school. You will be amazed how eating away from you is a huge attraction for a child. If your child needs an extra boost, have him help prepare a special treat for the entire class that he can present to the teacher when he goes in.
The dominant real concern your child will have is how they will get back to your loving embrace at the end of their day. To both of you, I say, don't freak out. I have yet to attend a school where there is not a rock solid program for ensuring your little one gets to the proper bus or carpool line for pick up each afternoon. Schools face this responsibility with utmost seriousness and are rigid in their rules. So explain to your child that each bus has a number and they will probably wear a card pinned to their clothes the first week or so, until they get comfortable with the routine. And if you will be picking them up in the carpool line, assure them that the teachers will stay with the children until each one is picked up.
The big day is here, the camcorder is charged and your child is wearing her backpack to breakfast. Let excitement be the watchword! Children take all their cues from their parents and will walk into that school mirroring YOUR emotions. So smile for the camera, rehearse your lines ahead of time and play your part – that of adoring yet confident parent of an adorable yet confident kindergartner.
