First child going to kindergarten

[kcoleman2]

My son is going to start kindegarten in 2 weeks. I am excited but very frightened at the same time. Times have changed. We have prepared for the things we think he should know and be aware of. I would like some advice on what we should tell him, prepare him for, ask teachers about, learna bout the school, etc. Anything would help. Tell me some of your experiences or maybe what others have said to help you!

[ssmsurvey]

The most important thing is to be encouraging so it does not seem like a chore. I have a girl going into 5th grade (OMG) and a boy we are having repeat 1st grade. Like you said, so much is expected and my son just isn't ready for 2nd grade. He is a September baby, so the youngest in class, and he is still playing more than working. He actually said he does not like school because it cuts into his play time. It has been very hard to not have him feel bad for having to repeat a grade but I try to remember to keep telling him it is okay that he is just not ready.
Make it fun and enourage, encourage, encourage! It is at about 3rd grade when they really start working hard because K - 2nd is the foundation.
I would ask if there will be a nap time if it is full day school and if you should supply a change of clothes for accidents.
And if your child is clingy on the first day, even though it hurts you, walk away and don't look back. The teacher will take over
Good luck!

[tzs]

I am in the same boat as you are! My daughter is starting school in sept. and I am scared to death about how she will react when I drop her off, and walk to the car. It's gonna break my heart, I almost think she will be much more brave than I am!

[ferriwinkle]

I am in the same boat as you are! My daughter is starting school in sept. and I am scared to death about how she will react when I drop her off, and walk to the car. It's gonna break my heart, I almost think she will be much more brave than I am!

She'll probably cry (or you will), but my daughter didn't cry--she didn't even realize I was gone. My wife cried when we left her at school though. The hardest part is that it will take time for them to make good friends, and my daughter had a rough transition (about a month or two), in which she thought people didn't like her. Everything's great now and she is going into first grade. 
The biggest thing is to ask lots of questions about your child's day, actually read emails from their teacher, and realize that they are going to get their feelings hurt and it sucks, but that's life. I hope this helps.

[kcoleman2]

He went to preschool and he didn't cry at all. I was standing in the doorway of the classroom balling! This is totally different. His preschool was all preschoolers. This is grades K-5. He will be around all ages. I'm afraid of the older kids picking on the younger ones. My son is strong minded and i know he will defend himself but i don't want him to have a fear of school. I hope these teachers are aware of things going on around them. I pray that he will be okay. We have open house thursday so we'll meet the teacher and ask her a ton of questions! LOL I'll let her know we are active parents ans she will see alot of us.

[potluck6]

my son always liked school never had a seperation problem.be sure he knows his abc's and numbers and colors.when my son went to k he didn't know many letters and some kids were able to read and wrote all the abc's so he was catching up in k. that is just one area he 'll enjoy making friends with kids his own age i think the popular group kinda thing doesn't start in k maybe 1st grade best to him he sounds really sweet.

[squirrelgirl44]

Did your child go to preschool? Other than a longer day, I didn't notice much of a difference. My daughter was in full time kindergarten, at school about 6 hours a day. She loved it. I got weekly progress reports regarding her work and behavior. I never felt "out of the loop."

[kcoleman2]

Yes my son went to preschool and they did regular school day so he used to that. He loved preschool but i'm worried about this being a bigger school with all aged kids and he's the small fry of the bunch. He's already doing some math, basic add and subtract. You remember those *bleep* and Jane books? I ordered a collection of them and he can read those very well. So he's ready but i'm not! LOL

[tzs]

Yes my son went to preschool and they did regular school day so he used to that. He loved preschool but i'm worried about this being a bigger school with all aged kids and he's the small fry of the bunch. He's already doing some math, basic add and subtract. You remember those *bleep* and Jane books? I ordered a collection of them and he can read those very well. So he's ready but i'm not! LOL

Right there with ya girl!! I have ADHD, so I am much more emotional than the average person! Its gonna be hard, but I will be so proud of her-she's ready, and I am definitelly not ready. My husband is SUPER READY!!!LOL! I guess we will see what happens in September-Thanx for starting this topic, It's helping me get by......

[oonamas]

I'm sure he'll do great - you'll probably be sadder than he is to see him go! And just think, no more preschool costs

[kcoleman2]

He's ready to go. I cried for preschool and he looked at me and said " Mommy are you ok?" I thought wow i'm a wreck and he's going on like a big boy. Maybe this year i won't be as bad. He says he's going to big kid school and he's ready. I hope i can handle it all! LOL  I give props to those who have more than 1 child and have to keep doing this over and over again. I  don't think i could handle it.

[momdileo]

I remember when my kids first starting kindergarten. I cried like a baby. I was so ecxiting to see them be free and I didn't want them to go.

[LenoraMinogue]

I'm sure as long as stay attentive to your child and be the nurturing parent that you sound like that everything will be fine. Good luck!

[bigedshult]

so how many other children do you have? He will enjoy it in the kindergarten and you will miss him quite a bit for a while. But it he will learn a lot and have fun there. You will learn that it's good for both of you to have a life with other people.