New Kindergarten Mommies

My oldest is starting kindergarten too in two weeks, but I did have her in preschool a couple of days a week so I'm not too worried yet at least.

When you leave school that first day, just give a kiss say have a great day and good bye then leave and don't hesitate and look back or hang around. Also, I too worry but keep thinking that I want my child to be positive and not too fearful of others. In some ways, it's a small leap of faith to believe that there's more good people than bad and that she has more positive experiences. If something negative happens, have that as a teaching moment that not all people behave in the best way etc.

I think the best thing to ease your mind is to volunteer in the classroom/library/lunch room and to make sure you can attend any school backtoschool functions. Also, to help with your anxiety if you are a SAHM then take a class, join the gym or start a small coffee morning break with the other kindergarten moms. One of the preschool moms one year just invited the kindergarten moms to her house for coffee, tea, and coffeecake. It was a great way to start the year!

Last year my son went to Kindergarten and I was SO nervous to lose him for 8 hours per day! He is verified in Sped and when I went to his IEP meeting I had a whole list of concerns that I wanted to discuss. Everyone listened and was so kind. I am very lucky that he is at a wonderful school where I have yet to have anyone be rude or unkind. I had to give them a chance though... give people the benefit of the doubt that they will be kind to your child. Most Kindergarten teachers are there b/c they have a love and passion for those kiddos. I am going into Special Education myself and my biggest drive is my passion for it. Teaching is such a low paid profession most of the people in the field have a passion for what they are doing. Of course there are still some bad apples, but most love it.

I think just talking about it would be helpful. Talk about where he will be dropped off and picked up. Talk about all the exciting things he will do. Read books about Kindergarten. My favorite was the Berenstain Bears one. As for you mommy, keep a stiff upper lip. If he sees Mom is worried he may think that he has reason to be worried as well. Positive thoughts!!

It gets better. I was so worried about Kindergarten and now my little guy is starting 1st grade and I'm ready to drop him off!!! :-) Good luck

See this is what is great about having totally obnoxious children, you got um packed up and out the door without batting an eye. Usually with a one down X to go send off. :)

My younger son had preschool issues that the kindergarten was aware of. The whole year I got a lot of what was that teacher thinking with her assessment? :)

Just show him how strong you are! My little guy was full of confidence when he got on the bus and it made me feel great and stronger for him. Of course I cried after the bus left - but happy tears and excitement for him.

I agree with the other poster - volunteer at the school. The more you are around to know the school the better. Our school is VERY big on volunteers. They send out these letters about research and that kids whos parents are involved do a heck of alot better vs kids whos parents do not.

Good luck! It will be good!

My youngest just started kinder this month too. Your son will be fine. I think you will be surprised at how well he does in fact. You're right, he can pick up on the fact that you're freaking out, unfortunately it might also be the source of his fears. Kids are smart. When we are afraid, they learn they have to be afraid too.

The best thing you can do is leave preschool behind. Tell him how proud you are to be the mom of a big smart kindergartner and that it's going to be great. Tell him his teacher is someone you really like and that he is going to make some great new friends and learn a lot of new things and that you cant wait to hear about all of it when he gets home.

Have you and your son met his teacher yet? If not call the school and ask if there is a time you can come by and meet her. If you have any other questions, ask those too.

You could take him to the school's playground so he can play- he might even meet some other kids that will be going to school there too. There are lots of great books for children about the 1st day of kindergarten. Ask the librarian at your library what they have.

I think the 1st day of kindergarten is harder on us than it is for the kids- keep as busy as possible so you don't worry all day, and so the time passes faster.

Best wishes!! =o)

My kid starts K next week :( Not sure if what I have to share will help, but here goes....

We have gone over repeatedly different scenarios of what may happen in school. We let him tell us what he would do and we let him know if its correct or not, and we suggest better ways to handle things if we need to.

I know not everyone will be kind to my son at school - students and teachers, cafeteria ladies, bus drivers, etc. The best thing I can do for him is to make him aware of this, to deal with those people appropriately (ignore them or tell me) and remind him he is at school to learn things.

I want my son to be confident when he go into any new situation. Soon, he will be surrounded by strangers young and old. The least I could do for him is let him be aware there is a great big world out there, that doesn't revolve around him anymore.