Back to School: Calming The Pre-K Jitters

Is your Pre-Kindergartener less than psyched to begin the school year? Even if your young ‘un has a big brother or sister at the same school, or comes with daycare or pre-school experience, they may still fall into the first day jitters, even weeks before their first day actually arrives. Here are four simple tips to help ease your cutie into their new groove.

September 8 is just around the corner!

Go School Shopping

Celebrate your kid's growing independence by allowing them to pick out their own backpack, or lunch box. By giving them the go ahead to present themselves as they wish (within reason), you are (somewhat) metaphorically giving them the green light to grow-up.

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Prep With Books

Sit with your child and read a few simple books about starting Pre-K, or starting school. This will give them the opportunity to express any feelings that may be lurking beneath the surface – both positive and negative. Reinforce each negative concern with a positive experience they'll have – playing with new toys, meeting new friends, etc. – and lots of hugs.

Get Them Familiar

Kids, like dogs, are seriously territorial. If you can, try and pay the classroom itself a visit beforehand, or arrange a brief visit with the teacher. The chance to scope out their surroundings, before competing for blocks with twenty strangers their size, can do wonders in helping them get acclimated more easily. 

Meet New Friends

The beautiful thing about our community is that it's incredibly tight-knit. Ask your parent friends if they know of any other kids that will be in your kid's class, and set up a play date before school starts. A familiar face to look at during circle time can go a long way toward easing anxiety during phase-in. 

Be There If You Can

The first day of school is a big deal – even if it’s just an hour of shorties sizing each other up over a pool of ooblek. If you can take the time off, try and be there for the first day, or first few days. It will mean a lot to them – and you. But alas, life can be far from perfect. If you absolutely cannot make it, try drawing them a picture and leaving it in their lunchbox. It's a great way to reassure them from afar.