Feature/General
Calming the Kindergarten Jitters
By Amy Heesacker
Jul/Aug 2006

I offered to write this article on preparing your child emotionally for kindergarten only to realize that I'm the one emotionally unprepared! My first child, Javi, will be entering kindergarten in the fall, and I want so much for him to have a positive first experience with 'big kid school.'   I also want him to get off on the right foot without me chaining myself to him and blubbering on the floor of his classroom. So I did some research and came up with these tips to help calm your child's kindergarten jitters, and hopefully they will help with (my) parent jitters, too.

Summer wind down
Long summer days and crazy schedules often result in later bedtimes. Be sure to set a firm bedtime at least a week before school starts that allows your child to get a minimum of 9 hours of sleep.

Near the end of the summer break, take a walk with your child around their school (inside and out) so that it becomes more familiar. If you can manage it, do this twice. The second time your child can serve as the 'tour guide' of their school. Your attitude on this trip is just as important as the trip itself. Stay positive and point out things that your child might find interesting or familiar ('Wow, look at all the cool dinosaur puzzles you'll get to do' or 'You have that same book on your bookshelf at home!')
Find ways for your child to demonstrate their independence (getting dressed, putting clothes/toys away, washing hands, setting the table), and then reinforce them with praise to build their self confidence.

As the big day approaches
Make sure that you are clear on schedules (drop off/pick up times, daily classroom schedule) so you can prepare your child for what to expect and so things run smoothly on the first day.

Talk to your child about your own kindergarten memories; especially share the funny ones and those that focus on the excitement of learning. Discuss your own first day feelings making sure to listen and validate those feelings that your child is expressing.

Having trouble getting your child to talk about his/her feelings? Read a book together that is sure to spark some discussion. Here are some suggestions:

• The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
• Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
• Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
• Annabelle Swift, Kindergartener by Amy Schwartz.

The big day arrives
Make your child a good breakfast and send a healthy lunch (include a special surprise treat and a smiley face post it note or picture of your family).

Your child has had years to learn to read your emotions, so remember to be positive and calm. It's all right to say you'll miss each other, but it's also important to stress that you will both be busy and excited to find out what this new adventure will bring.

During the goodbye your child may feel scared or even overwhelmed. Be patient, but don't linger too long. Stay calm, and let him/her know how proud you are. Then treat yourself to something special for getting through the first day of kindergarten.

Amy Heesacker holds a doctoral degree in Counseling and Developmental Psychology. She is a part time assistant professor at the University of Georgia and lives in Athens with her husband and their children, Javi (4) and Isa (1).