Simple Question...

K.,

I have 5 boys and son #4 is in young-5's this year. Each boy is different, each with his own temperment, likes, dislikes, and personality. So I had different concerns with each one.

Two of them struggle in school, learning letters and numbers was hard for them, but they are hard workers and make friends easily. With the other 2 boys schoolwork comes quite easy to them, but they struggle socially, they can be demanding and hard to get along with sometimes, hard to believe 4 kids that came from the same gene pool can be so different :).

I guess the biggest thing for me always was, are they learning enough to be ready for Kindergarten? They want so much from the kindergarteners now, its important that they be academically ready for it.

I was always worried about the other kids, the ones they would end being with so much. I was concerned with bullies, or bad influences. But there was never an issue with either of these things.

Also get to know the teacher, and make sure you are comfortable and confident in her. She will be a huge influence in your childs year. She will also be able to give you insight into your childs strengths and weaknessess. Make sure you have good communtication with her, and are open to things she may have concerns with.

Another thing I have learned over the years is to ask open ended questions about school. Not just, how was school? But ask things like, what did you do? Did anything happen that made you happy? Or Sad? etc. etc.

One more thing is I am a SAHM, so my kids were home everyday with me, so when they started preschool it was a big change in routine and for the first month or so they were very tired and cranky at the end of the day, but they will adjust to it.

I also worried that they would cry when I left them there. Mine never did, but I have volunteered in a lot of preschool classrooms. If they do cry when you say good-bye, its better for them if you just go quickly, I have noticed that the longer the mom of the upset child lingers the more intense the crying becomes.

Also if it is possible ask to come in and volunteer in the classroom, I always did and I learned so many new things. Not only things I could do with my kids, but its so insightful to watch them navigate this new part of their life. Its also a great opportunity to see what they do when they are there, how they are handling it, and it makes it easier to ask those open ended questions about school.

Good luck!

K.,

You are starting a new journey in the life of your son, totally new ground. There will be all sorts of new people entering your life and your sons, classmates, teachers, other parents, coaches the list is long. As I get ready to see my youngest out of high school and looking back over all those years I think the thing that stands out the most to me is to be as active in your children's education as you can be. Be a volunteer, let them see you at their activities and be known to the school staff as a contributing parent. Watch their progress closely, if you think they are faltering work closely with their teachers and your child to get them back on track. Get to know the parents of your children's friends, you can find some new and lasting friendships among other parents. Always encourage them and never let them think they are failures. As they get older make sure they understand they are unique individuals, not like the crowd, this will be so important in their teen years. Out of all of these things though the most important is to never stop teaching your child yourself. You will be their best life coach. It is a long journey but enjoy the ride, it's over before you know it.

S.

Take every moment you can to tutor your child even if they are ahead of the class. I dealt with reading issues as a child and be raised by a single mom, she had not time to help me. (I'm guessing) Now my brother is dealing with the same issue. Have to start early so later.... :) College(I know its far from now) he/she can be well prepared.

Have a relationship with each teacher. They will have more of a effect on your child.

Document any complaints and Issues you have with the teacher(s)

Go to a PTA meeting and get to know another parent in your childs class. This will help you stay involved. Your child will have a playmate. If there is something you don't understand you could possibly talk with them.

Oh, I know it sucks but when they start getting friends some kids dont want hugs and kisses from mom and dad, because they are "too cool" Its heart breaking but hey, they are getting older.

excellent question...I too wonder this as my son just began preschool...look forward to these responses!