How to Ease Kindergarten Jitters

Even if your child has attended preschool or daycare, Kindergarten jitters are common. Kids worry about a lot of different things when entering an unfamiliar situation. As a parent, there are a few specific things you can do to ease their transition to elementary school.

Stay Positive. Keeping the topic of school positive and exciting is important. Don't let your own emotions influence your child's feelings about starting school.

Be Sensitive. Validate your child's fears and reassure him or her. Point out how he or she has succeeded in new challenges in the past, and will be fine with this challenge too. Point out that you, too, have felt nervous about starting something new, such as a new job and meeting new friends. Give specific examples when your child might have felt jitters before and how he or she handled it well, such as performing in a dance recital or ballgame.

Adjust Schedules Early. Don't wait until the day before school starts to give your child an earlier bedtime or wake up call. If your child knows the routine of what is expected on a school morning in advance, it definitely will make school mornings less stressful.

Make School Prep Fun. Making the shopping trip to buy new clothes and school supplies fun can make your child feel special and excited about school.

Read Books. Reading with your child has always been a wonderful bonding experience. There are many books about starting Kindergarten that highlight some of the feelings your child may be having. Libraries and bookstores often have a shelf dedicated to these type of books over the summer months, so be sure to read a few with your child. This will also help you and your child talk about their fears.

Stay Involved. Join the PTO or volunteer in the classroom. This keeps you up to date on what is happening within the school and also gives you a chance to meet your child's classmates. Kids do get excited to have their parents witness their new independence. 

 Principal, Beth Ludwig, commented that “the PTO is a great way to link folks in right away.”

All the elementary schools in Northborough have active PTOs and are looking for volunteers, whether to head a committee or just to bake for a sale.

Visit the School. Many schools offer an opportunity for the kids to visit the school and to meet the teacher before the new school year begins. Be sure to participate in these opportunities with your child, as it will give them an increased comfort level as they become familiar with the building, classroom, playground and teacher. You will also have a chance to meet other parents so you can exchange contact information and set up playdates over the summer.

Each of the elementary schools hold Story Times, where children and families come in to meet the principal, Kindergarter teachers and the librarian.  

A parent orientation is also held before the current school year ends where expectations, tips, and suggestions are shared. Kindergarten orientation will be held on August 31 this year, which gives new students and parents the chance to become familiar with the new classroom setting. It also includes a bus ride. In Northborough, Kindergartener's actual first day is Sept. 1.

The PTO at Proctor School and Lincoln Street School also host a variety of summer activities to help with the transition.

Margaret Donohue, principal at , also has her current kindergarteners write books about their favorite parts of kindergarten to share with new students and said that this is usually a big hit.

View School Websites. Many teachers post a lot of information on their classroom websites such as needed supplies, photos of the classroom, school calendar, or the schedule of a typical day, as well as useful links and resources that you may want to be familiar with throughout the year.

Ludwig explained that a school’s website “can provide a terrific perspective on the school.  Viewing the website can provide ease to some parent anxieties about questions they might have. Lincoln Street School has designed a great FAQ for new families that is extremely helpful.”

Meet other Kindergarteners. Whether through playgroups, church groups, library storytimes, camps, or recreation department summer classes, look for venues with similar aged children attending so your child can interact with potential classmates. Having a familiar face in the classroom on the first day lessens some anxiety.

Ludwig also reminds parents that “Kindergarten teachers are remarkably gifted in anticipating challenges children might experience and planning for these challenges.  They will help to make your children feel comfortable and successful.  They will also be an enormous asset to you as you experience this huge parenting transition.”

Keep in mind, every child is different as to how quickly they adapt to new situations. Keep communication open and positive with your child and be sensitive to their apprehension. Chances are by Halloween, you will have a very confident Kindergartener.