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Forget Your Child
Are You Ready for Kindergarten?
By Linda Sharp
1. Under no circumstances should you go home and tearfully flip through your child's baby book or photo album. They are at school, not off backpacking through Europe for a year.
2. Do not show up to eat lunch with your child for at least the first two weeks. Let them become acclimated, make new friends and enjoy their independence.
3. Do not watch the clock, especially that first day. Make plans that have nothing to do with your child. Meet a friend at the mall, meet your hubby for lunch or if you can afford it, treat yourself to a massage at a day spa. Again, you've earned it!
4. Don't crowd the teacher; give her space. She is spending that first month getting to know your child. She does not need your coaching (unless there are medical or emotional concerns). And I promise you, the child the teacher gets to know is no one you have ever met!
Finally, and I cannot stress this enough – don't cry. Even tears of happiness can throw off your child's feelings about that first day. If you must sob, say goodbye with a smile and walk directly to the principal's office. No, you're not in trouble. They just keep an extra supply of Kleenex on hand and will be waiting for you.
