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Hello parents and caregivers,
This month, we're going to talk about how to prepare yourselves for kindergarten. Even if your child has been in full-time child care or in preschool several days a week, starting kindergarten can feel like a big change for parents and caregivers. This is the start of "real" school, and before you know it, they'll be going to high school and driving, and then college and moving out... Wait! Don't spiral! They're not there yet!
Or, on the flip side, you may be so excited for your child to start school and a new phase of life where you might get some more freedom and time away from your child. You might feel like your child desperately needs more school, more challenges, more time with peers, and you can't wait for them to start kindergarten. That is an equally valid feeling!
In either case, you may want to prepare yourself, as kindergarten will be different. Your child may take the bus, which is a big deal in and of itself. You will see and talk to the teachers a lot less, and it is likely your child will be asked to do more and harder things than they were in preschool or child care and have less time for free play. Kindergarten is HARD!
On that note, prepare yourself for your child to be very tired/dysregulated when they get home from kindergarten. For some children, this means they need quiet alone time, and for some children this means they need to move their bodies--run around at the playground or in the backyard. And for many children, this may mean big feelings about seemingly small things that wouldn't bother them at other times. And because you are their safe place, they will take a lot of it out on you. Sorry, I know it's not fun! But it is because they love you and feel so safe with you.
(For those who will be sending their child to afterschool or other care after kindergarten, pick up can be extra challenging, as your child is very tired and so is less able to make the tough transition from being with friends to home--where they need to hurry up and eat dinner, take a bath, get ready for bed. You will also be tired and have less in your tank to be able to meet them with grace and understanding. If you can, find short moments to take care of yourself and recharge before you do pick up.)
Having said all of this, kindergarten is still months away, so as much as you can, enjoy your child as they are now, without worrying too much about August/September. If you have checked your town's kindergarten regsitration timeline (links below) and filled out any forms that were due or marked your calendar to do them when they are due, you have done all you need to do for now.
Ellie
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