Mom has a lot to do before Kindergarten — and it’s not all buying scissors and crayons. You might need to look inside yourself for this Kindergarten Checklist.
I’ve seen a lot “controversial” posts on what do kids need to know before Kindergarten? Newsflash, Kindergarten is a BIG change, and your kids need to be equipped to handle it. But so does their mom. Here is mom’s before Kindergarten checklist.
Sidenote: This post was written in 2014 before my final kid went to Kindergarten but has been edited and republished.
Have you heard me SCREAMING from the rooftop that Princess P is going to Kindergarten this year?
Because she is. I know it will be a bittersweet day. I have been at home with a little for QUITE some time. I’m proud of the work that she and I have done and I KNOW she is well prepared for what she will face at school. I also know I’m a PTO president who will still be at school an awful lot.
If you’re intersted in more “tested” parenting advice — be sure to check out my practical parenting series:
What does a Mom need to know before Kindergarten?
There are things moms (and probably dads, but I’m not a dad, so maybe my husband could write that post) need to know before Kindergarten too:
1. Your teacher loves your child. If there is anything I’ve noticed about Kindergarten teachers (whether they were my favorite or not my favorite) they truly do love your child. They are taking a solid interest in them growing up to be functioning members of society. It’s good to know your child is going into loving arms. It is VERY scary to give your child to someone else. SO scary. I get that. Kindergarten teachers are a special, wonderful breed. So thankful for each one.
2. Actively participate. There are SO many studies about how important it is for parents to take an active roll in their child’s education. Whether this is being in the classroom as often as you can (SUPER important) or if your job doesn’t allow that — keeping in touch with the teacher and helping at evening events. Kids know what’s important to you, and what’s important to you will be important to them!
3. Enjoy it! I will cry when she walks away. I am not much of a cryer, but I think I’m crying about that part of my life being over. It has been long, arduous, but fun and fantastic at the same time. But, it’s time for me to take some time for myself. I will be able to concentrate to write blog posts and probably even pee a few times by myself without interruption. I need to bask in that!
4. Find some friends. I have found some of my VERY MOST amazing friends at school. There are women who are working hard to make our society succeed one kid at a time. I see so much of what is good in this world by the women I work in PTO (PTO is similar to PTA — btw, I was president a few years) with. I know you might worry that PTO will be like high school and it is hard to go into a situation that you don’t know anyone — but look for a friendly face. Ask them to lunch one day. Everyone can use a friend, right?
5. It’s a cooperative effort from now on. That school is part of your child’s life. You are both on the same side of wanting your child to succeed. They have budget issues on their side, and you have budget issues on your side (perhaps of time or of money), but both of you want your child to succeed. NEVER. I repeat NEVER let your child hear you speak ill of their school. Sure, discuss it with your husband, talk to your friends about it, vent on Facebook — but you need to think of that school as another parent in your child’s life. As far as your child knows — their teacher is a dream and so is the principal.
My kids know my philosophy of whatever the teacher says, goes. There is no arguing with a teacher, they are in charge and you listen. That isn’t to say that we don’t talk about how they like their teacher and how things are going on behind the scenes and I would intervene if necessary. Respecting positions of authority is really big for me as a parent.
Kindergarten is SUCH an exciting step. I’m excited for you if this is your first trip into the magical fairyland that is Kindergarten. I am actually getting emotional as I write this. It is SUCH a special time for you and your family. They learn so much and really come into their own. I hope you enjoy it as much as we always have! I hope Mom’s Kindergarten Checklist helps you have a great school year!
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Charlotte says
Hi! Love this post, as I have finished my teacher training (in England) and becoming a Reception teacher (the same as your Kindergarten) from September as my first teaching job. I am very nervous about it all, but cannot wait. If all my parents have the same attitude as yours then I know it will be a walk in the park as it’s so important to have parents on board! Really cheered me up 🙂
Thanks, Charlotte! x
Hilary says
Charlotte that is so exciting. Good luck in your first year!
Renae says
As a previous teacher, I wish all parents knew #5! I wanted each of my students to be happy and successful in my classrooom and it was so frustrating and discouraging when a parent would undermine all the effort I was putting into their child. Most teachers really do like your child and want them reach their potential! I hope I can take that advice to heart when I step into the parent side of school 🙂
Hilary says
My darling Wendy, it’s a date — and I may have had you in mind when I wrote #4. 🙂 Also, you never say anything mean about anyone — so #5 is in the bag for you. 🙂
Hilary says
#5 is actually the advice my mom gave me when Conner started school. It is excellent advice. Thanks Mom! 🙂
jessc5 says
I think you are spot on with these tips! When I make cookies, I always make a double batch. I’ll bake a dozen or two and scoop and freeze the rest. I love, love, LOVE to have yummy cookies waiting in the freezer for days when I want COOKIES, and not have much to CLEAN UP!
Hilary says
I haven’t gotten to freezing the dough yet, all my monsters eat them so fast it would be useless… .but it is a good idea!
outsidetheboxmom says
I have one entering kindergarten next year. It’s been six years since I’ve experienced that. These are great reminders. It’s amazing how smoothly school can go when the teachers and staff are your best advocates.
Hilary says
Yes, great teachers are such a blessing!
Evie Houtz says
So bittersweet!! My little girl will start kindergarten in just a few days, she is super excited and we have been pumping it up for almost a year. She has struggled with separation anxiety in the past, but it seems to have finally pass, though she is still shy.
I pray her teacher loves her and knows what an awesome kid she is…even if she never speaks a word!
Hilary says
Kindergarten teachers are magical. I am sure she will love her. There are plenty of shy-separation-anxiety-prone kids in Kindergarten. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Sydney says
Much of this is great and so true. Please be careful about venting about the teacher or school on Facebook- it’s s big audience. As a teacher, I rarely have issues with parents but if I found out they’d vented about me to the world instead of coming to me first, I probably would be a lot less open to hearing concerns.
Hilary says
I think that’s good advice for all situations.