Believe it or not, in a few weeks a group of young and energetic children will head off to school for the first time. Which means there are a lot of parents who are nervous about sending their child off on this new journey.
“Being a parent myself, I can totally relate to parents feeling anxious,” says Brennan Griffin, a local kindergarten teacher. “This is an important and special time of transition for your child. I think it is helpful for parents to remember that, overarchingly, teachers love children and want what is best for them. We don’t just care about academic growth; we also care about their social and emotional growth.”
Even though you may be feeling anxious about your child leaving the safety of home or a familiar preschool, it is crucial for you to deal with your own emotions appropriately while helping your child to make the most of this rite of passage.
“Attitude is everything,” says Mrs. Griffin. “Your excitement and the ability to help your child get excited are keys to a smooth transition. Kindergarten is a chance for your child to blossom, to increase [his or her] self-confidence and benefit from new experiences as they meet new friends, learn new rules and become a little more independent.”
Now is the perfect time to begin preparing your child for this change.