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There are so many fun things about starting kindergarten. Cute little backpacks and special first day outfits. All so sweet! But let’s go beyond shiny new shoes and haircuts. What else should mothers of first-time preschoolers know? One of the reasons I love this platform is to encourage other mothers who are a few steps behind me on this motherhood journey and to share the tips and wisdom I have learned from my friends, my own mother and my grandmother along the way. I share 10 tips for starting kindergarten first, and then 10 great tips from DoSayGive readers!

1. Before school starts, help the teacher by having your child open and close their backpack, lunchbox, and snack containers. Also, if you have a new belt that needs practice, make sure you do it before day one!

2. After a busy time in kindergarten, children often starve to death when you collect them. Pack lunch or snacks for them to eat when they get in the car. (Some moms give the kids a snack before they leave school, especially if they’re early risers and kindergarten didn’t start by 9am.)

3. Try to pick them up from school if possible. I know this is not possible in all situations, but this phase is very short and they are VERY eager to see you after their day. Even if you can’t do it every day, it makes their day when you can!

4. But on that note, don’t ask a bunch of questions when they get in the car! They may ask for your presence, but not necessarily the inquisition. Give them some time (and maybe lunch!) before asking about their day.

5. Ensure that children get plenty of rest with an early bedtime and a rest time after preschool. My daughters always had time for a nap after half a day of kindergarten. Even if they didn’t sleep, at least they had quiet time to think and rest. Helps reduce downtime, tantrums and other behavior problems at home and at school.

6. Ballet lessons, football teams, music lessons – there are LOTS of fun things to do for preschoolers besides preschool. But avoid our culture’s tendency to overprogram your little ones. They need not only rest, but also free time just to PLAY. Let them be small, not mini adults with Google calendars. What I’ve heard from moms of star athletes is that if your kid has to be a professional baseball player, it won’t matter if he plays in the little leagues at the age of three or four.

7. Know your season when it comes to volunteering. Don’t get me wrong, volunteering is a way to connect and meet friends in a new city. But if you’re pregnant, have other minors at home, or work full-time, it’s probably not the season to head a black-tie fundraiser or run the PTA. Leave the bigger chores to moms, the youngest of whom attend kindergarten, or perhaps full-time assistance. Get involved in ways that are realistic and don’t add stress to your already busy season. If you need help saying no graciously, read this Message.

8. On this note, if you’re going to sign up to volunteer in small ways, consider signing up for some of the things your child will see you for. Reading to the class or helping out with the Christmas party. Them love to see their mother!

9. Although they call it “school”, it’s not a real *school*. Listen to me carefully. Starting in kindergarten, your child will have over 16 years of math knowledge, flashcards, homework and tests. Don’t open them until it’s really necessary, and don’t panic if your child isn’t doing anything their classmate is doing (reading, counting, etc.). Children develop at different ages and stages, and these will come when the time comes! If a mom says she’s arranging a teacher to help her child get ready for kindergarten, say “that’s great” and go to the park or museum. You’re in the dollar aisle at Target, as kids learn in so many ways beyond a phonetics workbook. Remember, it helps develop preschool skills. Prepare kids for learning. Gross and fine motor skills, transitions, good listening, socializing with peers, etc. Things like that. He may not be able to read or write at the age of four, but when he’s developmentally ready, he’s learning a lot of other things that will help him!

10. Read, read, read! Of course I have to follow that last thought with this one! read aloud It is one of the best indicators of children’s long-term educational success. Not only do they provide great conversation starters and bonds, but the language we read infiltrates their brains and helps them as they begin to read. Click if you want to buy some of our favorite books for autumn Here.

Hope it was helpful! And here are 10 more tips for starting kindergarten that DoSayGive readers kindly send:

1. Buy elastic and buttonless pants for easy bathroom breaks.
2. Teacher, administrator, etc. Do not hesitate to ask questions.
3. Set up an organization system at home to preserve memories.
4. Don’t worry about getting them ready for nap time. Teachers are adept at putting them to sleep.
5. Plan something fun for yourself on the first day of school so you don’t have to worry.
6. Transitions are difficult, the children will cry when they leave and will be happy in a moment.
7. Let go quickly – say goodbye, hug and go.
8. It may seem like a lot at first, but your child will change a lot throughout the year!
9. Write their names on the backpack and lunchbox instead of monograms.
10. Have the child carry a backpack and/or lunchbox to gain independence.

Good luck in kindergarten! What tips do you have for starting kindergarten?

lee