I have a child that will be starting Kindergarten in about three more weeks, and is not happy or excited about going. What is the best way to handle this to make it easier for her.? She is used to being with me all of the time and has never attended preschool.. She is 6 years old. Help please... And also, how did you cope with this for your own piece of mind?
2006-08-02 06:18:42 · 11 answers · asked by ♥ 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Last year when my daughter started kindergarten she was so excited. I had been telling her all about the fun stuff she would do, and about all the friends she would be making. She couldn't wait to go. I was happy so was so excited about school, and on the first day I had to make her give me a hug and kiss goodbye. Once she saw all the kids, mommy didn't matter anymore.
The advice I would give to you is to stay positive. Let her know about all the fun stuff she will get to do. Never let her see you cry, and if she gets upset on the first day, take her over to some other little kids and get them talking to each other. Once she is comfortable, then you can leave her.
2006-08-02 06:26:29 · answer #1 · answered by sunflowerlizard 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
my daughter is only 2, so I have not personally been through this as a parent, but I used to teach Kindergarten so I can offer a few suggestions that worked for some of the students I had.
Allow your daughter to take a photo of you to school so that when she misses you, she can look at it and know you are thinking of her too
See if she can get a tour of the school before the year starts so she feel more familiar and comfortable with where she will go
If it can be arranged, have her meet her teacher before the year starts also
Whenever you talk to her about school, be positive and excited, it might catch on with her too
Let her pick out some outfits and a bookbag, school supplies, etc (whatever you feel will make her feel like a big girl for going to school)
Reward her - you may have to start with chunks of time as small as 5 minutes, but reward her with stickers or whatever for every 5 minutes she makes it without being upset - eventually you will be able to increase it to 10 minutes, 20 miuntes, 30 minutes, etc until she is up to the whole day.
When she gets home, praise her - for whatever accomplishments she did that day, no matter how small - make her feel amazing about it (even if it is just that she got off the bus or carried her own bookbag - you will find something).
I always read the book The Kissing Hand on the first day of school to help my students know that it is okay to be sad and miss mommy, but they are still loved and though about - maybe that book will help too
I hope some of these ideas help you - good luck!!
2006-08-02 13:29:29 · answer #2 · answered by pammy_6201 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her that she will have fun, do crafts, be with kids her age, make friends. Basically let her know how much fun it will be and that big kids go to school. At this age, they all want to be considered big kids. There will probably be some seperation anxiety at first, but it will soon go away. As for you, there will also be seperation anxiety, but you will also be relieved after she's used to it and you're used to it, b/c you will have all day to take care of chores at home so that when she comes home, you can spend some time together.
She will also start to become her own person, she will not depend on you as much. They really do become more independent after they start kindergarten. Good Luck, you both will be fine, it may take a few weeks, but it will become routine for both of you!!!!
2006-08-02 13:31:01 · answer #3 · answered by surelycoolgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three kids ages 9,7 and 3 . I think that you should take your little one shopping, buy her a new back pack,lunch box and some little things to fill them with. Perhaps a few new out fits and things of that sort. Maybe you could talk to her about your school days and all of the things that you remember about Kindergarten.
Remind her that kindergarten is mostly a fun and social event. Lots of art,singing, and playing...Good luck to yah,,,and remember,,,, they all cry the first time ,,,you might want to hang out for the first hour or so,,,then say a brief good bye. There will probably be alot of kids just like yours on the first day.
2006-08-02 13:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by mandy c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some books about kindergarten so that you can tell her what to expect - when she realizes how much fun she'll have it will mellow a bit - don't freak out or show her this is tough for you - when she cries at the first departure, walk away and don't look back.....
As for how you cope: she's off on her own adventure - she's going to have a day filled with things that are not about you - should have happened earlier, but now that it's happening, ecourage this. Every night, sit down with her and ask her to describe her day - then describe yours.
2006-08-02 13:28:51 · answer #5 · answered by Clockwork Grape 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son is going to Kindergarten this year also, he is happy and excited, and he has always jumped right in. Best thing to do is not be over emotional yourself. Talk about the great time she'll have, all the cool stuff she'll learn, and all the kids she'll meet. Come up with some 'let's pretend we're at school today' things to do, like coloring, snack times, ask her to tell you her favorite things, etc. Have fun..... best of luck!!!
2006-08-02 17:03:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the best think I think, would be to let her be a part of buying the pretty new clothes and shoes that she's going to need to start school. And let her pick out the books and such.. if you make her a part of it, let her have a choice in something.. it might make it easier on her.
She's feeling like she doesn't have a choice about going.. (she's right) , but let her have a choice and a say about anything that she can.. that may help alot.
2006-08-02 13:43:31 · answer #7 · answered by Imani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh! That ,ust be hard, mine were both thrilled to start. I would just talk to her about all the great things she'll get to do, new friends, a new playground, art, the parties they have for special occasion, etc. Also, if her birthday is anytime soon, tell her she can bring cupcakes for her class to celebrate her birthday with her. Maybe go just the two of you and get a really special outfit just for the first day with like matching shoes. Good luck!!! As for me I bawled on both of mines' first days' at school.
2006-08-02 13:27:40 · answer #8 · answered by messijessi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My children always jumped right in. Best thing to do is not be over emotional yourself. Talk about the great time she'll have and all the kids she'll meet. Come up with some 'let's pretend we're at school today' things to do, like coloring, snack times, ask her to tell you her favorite things, etc.
2006-08-02 13:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by auld mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take her shopping for school clothes and supplies. Then, make a big deal about what she wants to wear for her "big day". As far as coping with your daughter going, I cannot give ANY good advice on that one. I cried when my son went to Pre-School both years and when he went to Kind. last year. I also cried when my daughter went to Pre-School and she will be going to Kind. this year, so I know to have the tissues ready. GL.
2006-08-02 14:25:10 · answer #10 · answered by blondie7795 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋