Kindergarten is very important milestone in your children's life. Therefore, it is important to prepare your children for kindergarten. 

Getting your children ready for his/her first day of kindergarten can cause some anxiety among the parents.

If your child has not been prepared, the first day of kindergarten can be very traumatic.

Your child will cling to you and will not want to leave you. If he/she cries don't be alarmed. It  is  not uncommon for children to be a bit teary-eyed on the first day.

 It's hard to predict how your child would handle separation. Some children will cling to you in terror, while others will skip happily into the classrooms without even a parting glance in your direction.

Starting kindergarten is big step for children, and the anxiety they experience is a perfectly normal part of the developmental process.

Ways to make transition easier

* Talk to your child before they join the kindergarten in such a way that they look forward to it.  As adults we see school as a place of learning. Children typically see it as a place of fun, so don't hesitate to play up the fun factor.

* Impress upon your child that the separation is only for a few hours, after which they will be with you again.

* Weeks before your child go to kindergarten, involves him/her in the shopping preparations.  

* Allow your child to select his/her own favorite items to take to school such as a pencil case or backpack.  

* Children will be very excited with their new school things and they may want to start using them. Foster a spirit of excitement about school.

* The Kindergarten Orientation Day allows the children to experience learning in a classroom and to familiarise themselves with the school environment. Spend some time in your child's classroom.

* Ask your children if they would like to take something from home with them on their first day.  

* Encourage them to choose something small and comforting, because the presence of their familiar objects give your children a sense of security.

* If the teachers have set up an arts and crafts activity to occupy and engage children, try to get your children involved in the activity. Encourage your children to play with other children and make friends. 

* Make your goodbye cheerful and brief, give plenty of hugs and reassurance.  Remind your children when you will return, and make sure you are not late picking them up.

Understanding that each child is an individual and will require different methods. 

While some children get over their phobia of going to kindergarten very quickly.

There will always be a few who will take a lot longer to get used to the fact that they cannot be at home with you.

Some children will yell and scream or even worse, absolutely refuse to go to school.  

So what do you do when your child just makes things hard on you and tests your limits?

Only you will know what is the best appropriate course of action for  your children. 

Spend time together before school commences talking about the kindergarten, about your own love of learning and about the friendships that develop at school.

Boost your children's confidence by telling positive experiences and all the things your children will enjoy about school which will motivate them to become enthusiastic about school life.

To your parenting success

Helen Law

Aman Ceria and Playschool "Building Tomorrow's Leaders"    Registration for 2012 is now open    Half-Day and Full-Day Kindergarten Program

Guide to Holistic Childhood Education- Holistic Living Wellness for Your Families

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