Dear new kindergarten mom,
As I currently sort through last year’s kindergarten paperwork, put away the kindergarten diploma and have my almost 6 year old now ensconced in first grade, this one time kindergarten mom cannot believe that kindergarten is the past tense for us.
My own girls are only a year apart in school. So not only was I a kindergarten mom last year, but I was also kindergarten mom the year before that, too.
Even though I can try to deny it, it just feels plain strange and weird not having another child in kindergarten this year.
But two years in a row, I have learned so much and gleamed a few lessons along the way. That said I am paying forward here today as for what to expect during the kindergarten year.
All the preparation in the world weeks and days before, won’t even make a dent to prepare you or your child for the kindergarten year ahead now.
1. Have faith.
Along those lines, put the flash cards down. Trust that your child is as ready as they can be. Therefore, have faith that they will learn what they need to scholastically and emotionally appropriate as the kindergarten year unfolds.
2. Oh the emotions.
As for the first year of schooling, it will be filled with a myriad of emotions for your kindergartner, as well as yourself. The Seven Dwarfs have nothing on the emotions you both will be feeling and experiencing.
3. Let them be.
That said, do let your kindergartner deal with the transition into kindergarten in their own way and pace emotionally, academically and socially. But still be there, when need be.
4. It’s a long day.
This may be the first time that your little one has been in a school setting for 6 plus hours. So, remember this if they come home tired, cranky or even a bit overwhelmed.
5. Be there when you can.
As the year’s firsts, such as homework, trips, parties and more unfold, do your best to be there when you can and are allowed to be there.
6. Sharing is caring.
Which brings me to the fact that trips and parties will have chaperones asked to volunteer. As a former class mom, I will say that if you can volunteer that is wonderful. Just remember that you don’t need to be Greedy Gretchen. Therefore, give other parents a chance to have their turn during these events, too.
7. Give a little.
Your child’s kindergarten teacher has your child and the rest of their students best interests at heart. So if possible cut them some slack.
8. Work with them.
But if you do need to discuss any issues that arise, reach out in a timely fashion and try to work with the teacher not against them. Remember it takes a village to help make this first year a success for your little one.
9. Don’t blink.
One hundred eighty days of school for the kindergarten year seems like a lot. But when you get right down to it, you will blink only to be sitting, wiping tears from your eyes at kindergarten graduation at the end of the school year.
Therefore, take it from me Kindergarten is a big deal for both your child and yourself. It goes quickly. So, before you know it will be you giving advice that you learned to a new kindergarten mom yourself.
Signed,
A Former Kindergarten Mom
Meredith Spidel says
Gorgeous. Love this. Thanks for sharing these sweet words with the mamas who need to hear them!
Janine says
Aw, thanks and again so happy to share, too 🙂
Seana Turner says
The first time around it can feel like you are relinquishing control to someone you don’t know. It takes time to build that trust. Great advice for anyone going through this… and I wish both of your girls a wonderful year of school!
Janine says
I agree Seana with the first time around how it feels and thanks for the lovely school year wishes this year for my girls, too 🙂
Dara says
So sweet. For me, 1st grade is harder than kindergarten! It’s longer and harder work! I can’t believe we’re done with kindergarten here too!
Janine says
Dara, the moment kindergarten was over, I was all weepy about 1st grade coming, as well. So, I do agree about 1st grade in general and also can’t believe no more kindergarten, as well.
Emily says
Even though kindergarten was SO long ago for my boys, I still remember moments from those years so clearly, because you’re right, it is a big transition for both our kids AND for us! And now? I need to read a letter from a former college mom because my oldest will be going to college next September – yikes!
Janine says
I would love to see a letter from a former college mom, as well, because like you someday we will need that, as well!! 😉
Christine Carter says
Aw! This was beautiful and SO ON POINT. Great wisdom and insight from a mom who has EXPERIENCE. <3 I hope all new Kindergarten moms read this, Janine! Sharing! <3
Janine says
Thank you, Chris and honestly just hoping it helps as I haven’t forgotten all that I did feel and experience during both my girl’s kindergarten years. Also, truly appreciate the share, too 🙂
Allison G smith says
Great advice. The only thing I would add is, kindergarten ain’t what it used to be. No naps and paste. It’s full on curriculum. It Chandigarh much from when my oldest to my youngest(7 years) was in kindergarten. It’s crazy.
Janine says
Perfect add-on, as I can say it definitely has changed so much from when I attended kindergarten back in 1982!!
William Holland says
Not only is each year a first for you and your child, but the next year the same first happens for another….so many memories waiting to happen for you, Janine! Double the pleasure!
Happy Tuesday my friend!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and you are so right each year is a new step indeed! Happy Tuesday to you, too 🙂
Echo says
I feel this so much! Especially the long day! Man, kindergarten is hard on my 5 year old! (And me,,,)
Janine says
Aw, Echo I feel you on this and still remember my younger one coming home for the first month last year only to melt down at the slightest thing, because she was so worn out. Hugs and just know it does get easier as the year goes on <3
Aunt Gloria says
So beautifully said Janine. Good advice and I know the feelings are real. How true…time goes by so quickly and now the girls are in the “grade” classes. They grow up and I get older! Lots of love…….
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and just still can’t believe how quickly they do grow up! Love right back at you <3
Dana says
So many truths here! I found kindergarten graduation to be so bittersweet – tougher for me than any other year (until senior year). Hold those girls tight, Janine!
Janine says
Dana, I am holding on and not letting go!! <3
Leslie says
I can’t imagine having to go through Kindergarten 2 years in a row, much less as class mom both years. Congrats on surviving! And I definitely agree, 6 hours of school is exhausting for the little ones.
Janine says
Leslie, I am now class mom for 1st grade, too. So, don’t congratulate me just yet, LOL!! 😉
Jen says
Janine this is so sweet. Kindergarten is just a big deal. It is scary for both moms and the kiddos. Pinning this one.
Janine says
Thanks Jen for your kind words and pinning, too 😉
Tamara says
I’m so curious to how it will be next year, since Scarlet’s transition was so hard for me. I will certainly read this post again and again!
Janine says
Aw, I know and believe it or not, Emma’s was a bit easier. Something about the younger kid was just harder for me (if that makes sense).
Diane Roark says
Janine,
Well, Said! You always give great advice and this advice really is perfect for kindergarten moms.
I hope you are having a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
Aw, thanks Diane and wishing you a wonderful week, too!! 🙂
Rabia @ The Liebers says
We finished our third round of Kindergarten last year as well. It’s such an important year for a family. Our next hurdle with be high school, but I’ve got two more years before that happens!
Janine says
I am truly not ready for high school and have a bit more time, but still agree that is a pretty big hurdle indeed!
Rea says
Wonderful lessons Janine! I myself can’t believe that Reiko’s 1st year in Kindergarten is almost over (it ends March next year). I worry a lot sometimes but I have learned to let go and allow him to do his own thing and just remind myself to be there for him every time. ♥
Janine says
Wow, I can’t believe that either and still remember Reiko when he was a bay and toddler. Time surely does fly!!
Lisa/Syncopated Mama says
Great tips! (from a former teacher) Especially #8 – we really do care and love it when parents work WITH us – we want to do what we can to see each child succeed! Have a great week!
Janine says
Thanks Lisa and I agree about teachers, especially as I was one also before having my kids. So, I am with you on this, too. Wishing you a wonderful week, too 🙂
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says
Great tips. From my own experience, I’d say to get ready for all the “special days.” It seems like every other day in kindergarten is something: Hat Day! Bring a Stuffed Animal! Bring a Board Game! Wear Red Day! Crazy Hair Day! It drives you crazy sometimes, but it goes away by late elementary school so I suppose enjoy it if you can, and if you can’t then at least you know it will be over soon.
Janine says
So true about those special days and thank you for adding that here, too! 🙂
Kayleigh | Whisks & Wooden Spoons says
I’m homeschooling a kindergartener this year. It’s scary. Different then sending them to school scary. Thanks for the letter. 🙂
Janine says
Happy to share and my hat is off to you for homeschooling you kindergartner 🙂
Nellie says
As a current kindergarten mom, all of this rings so true! Especially the overwhelmed part. It can be so hard to get my little to do homework but I have to be patient with him because he has had a super long day! (He’s in school for 9 hours!)
Janine says
Omg, I know crazy long days for our little kiddos. So I definitely agree about trying to remember patience if nothing else.
April says
I love the “put down the flashcards” line. I had kindergarteners 2 years in a row too. I remember that feeling. Now I have my 3rd boy in kindergarten, and it was still emotional. I still had to have a sit down and cry day. Funny how that works. I love the advice on the volunteering too.
Janine says
Aw, April totally had a sit down and cry day for both my girls. And glad you could relate to my article, especially with having two kindergartners 2 years in a row 🙂
Natasha @ Epic Mommy Adventures says
Thanks so much for sharing this! I needed to hear every word. My son just started kindergarten last month, and you weren’t kidding, there are so many emotions. I’m still working through them, but I’m just letting him go through this experience on his own and being supportive through it all. I am enjoying every minute of it, though, by participating in as much as I can get involved in.
Janine says
So happy to share and glad you could relate, Natasha. I know that kindergarten can be overwhelming, but does sound like you are doing everything you can to make it a bit easier on both your son and yourself. Hugs mama!! 🙂