Baumgardner: Getting your child ready for school

photo Julie Baumgardner

In less than a month, children across the region will be headed to school, many of them for the first time. Along with the excitement of a new adventure, there are some children -- and probably a lot of parents -- who are feeling a bit nervous.

"As a parent of three boys, I know firsthand the range of emotions a parent experiences as they send their child off into someone else's care," says Gena Ellis, the parenting coordinator at First Things First who teaches all the organization's parenting classes. "It is normal and natural to feel some separation anxiety as a parent. I think you have to acknowledge it and recognize that change is occurring for you and your child. This is a good time to think about the big picture. This is the first big step to your end goal of launching a young adult capable of functioning without you."

Many moms and dads might experience a bit of a crisis as they anticipate the big day. It is crucial for you to deal with your emotions appropriately.

"How a parent handles the days leading up to the first day of school can make all the difference" says Ellis. "Attitude is critical. One key to a smooth transition for your child is your ability to help your child get excited about this significant milestone. This is a special time. A time to celebrate. Kindergarten provides a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow, become more independent, make new friends and experience the excitement of learning new things."

To help parents and children prepare for this milestone, the Creative Discovery Museum and First Things First have two great opportunities. On July 19, the Creative Discovery Museum celebrates with Countdown to Kindergarten, an interactive experience allowing children to practice climbing on and off a real school bus, and practice in a mini-cafeteria as they learn to carry a tray and choose food items.

Adults will be present to greet children at activity tables designed to highlight the critical skills needed to be kindergarten ready. First Things First will offer special classes on July 24 and July 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for parents of children transitioning to kindergarten. The class will give parents information as well as tools to help their child get started on the right foot.

In addition to attending these events, there are things you can do at home to help prepare your child:

• Visit the school where your child will be attending kindergarten.

• If your child has not been in the care of someone other than mom and dad, allow your child to stay with other trusted adults prior to kindergarten to help them get used to another adult being in charge.

• Teach them how to open a juice box.

• Do activities with other children where your child has to learn to take turns and share.

• Teach your child how to tie their shoes.

• Help them learn how to zip, unzip and button their pants.

• Read, play silly rhyme games and go exploring together.

• Avoid creating undo pressure on your child by trying to make sure they know their letters, numbers and colors.

While the butterflies in your stomach may not immediately go away, doing these things to prepare your child will help increase the chances that your child's transition to kindergarten is just the beginning of a lifetime of adventure and learning.

Julie Baumgardner is the president and CEO of First Things First. Contact her at julieb@firstthings.org.

Upcoming Events