Hi Kindergarten Parents!
I have been hearing from some of you about the new and exciting days of Kindergarten. My wife, Tori, and I got to experience being Kindergarten parents for the first time last year with our daughter Zoe. It was exciting, sad, wonderful and so very difficult all at the same time!
Just a few short weeks ago, you were buying new clothes, backpacks and all the necessary supplies for that all-important, first day of school! Many of you woke up early for a special breakfast; maybe there was a banner or cards from grandparents, even a gift or two. For us, we took pictures by the front door and then in the car, some more on the sidewalk at the school and even a few with our new teacher. As we left with tear-filled eyes, we couldn’t wait until the end of the day to hear all about how wonderful school was.
Like us, I am sure you spent the first week or two having so much fun seeing what all they were doing and hearing about the friends they were meeting. Every day was new and exciting, filled with wonderful experiences and so much learning.
Maybe now you’ve reached the day when they begin to feel a little bit tired. They start to realize that school happens every day and every week. They begin to notice that they can’t do everything at home they used to do. Throw in after-school activities, and you feel like you’re running in the door just to run out that door again.
The new has worn off, and everything is changing. You start to hear, “I don’t want to go to bed!” and the “I don’t want to go to school!” That child who is usually so loving and cuddly may be sad and crabby. The child who loves to soak up the spotlight suddenly wants to stay at home.
So you begin to ask around about how other kids are doing. I am sure you hear how the other kids are loving life and are already on a third grade reading level, while your kid is holding books upside down and stuffing cheerios up his nose! That panic sets in, and you ask the inevitable question, “Am I the worst parent in the world?”
In all reality, every parent is struggling with this new phase in life somehow. The good news is, a lot of us have made it through! It wasn’t too long before Zoe was fully in the routine and loving Kindergarten. This year when we started 1st grade, it was a whole new world. She was so ready for the routine to begin again, after a wild summer break.
Then we went and had a baby a few weeks after school began. That is when I realized so much more about parenting. I thought that I wasn’t doing all the right things to prepare my daughter for Kindergarten, but then I felt great about myself as we started 1st grade. But I ultimately what I’ve learned this year is that any change is tough for kids. We know that it is really difficult for adults, but sometimes we forget to help our kids navigate the inevitable changes in our lives.
During times of transition, whether they are positive or negative, kids need to be able to talk through their feelings with you. They need a heads up on what to expect in the days ahead.
I suggest taking some time each day to talk about the highs and lows of each family member’s day. Let the kids talk about the good and bad in life. Share some of your own feelings. Be open and honest with your kids. Also, go over the calendar for the week so kids know what they have to look forward to and can have a good expectation of what their days hold. Open conversation and clear plans for the future can help your whole family experience healthy change together.
I am praying for your kids and your family! I hope these days are wonderful days filled with fun and lots of time together. I also hope you know that our TPC Kids team is always here for you. If there is any way we can support you and partner with your family, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Loving God. Loving Kids.
Mr. Derek
