When Zoe was 5, I signed her up for Kindergarten in the Buford City School district. I was a ball of nerves. She was my first child to go to school. I wasn’t sure about letting her go. I’m pretty sure I was a hot mess. I probably cried more than her.
First of all, if you are feeling this way, it’s normal. I was happy for her to take this first step but it was a first step for me too. Not only was she going to school but she would be riding the bus, meeting new people and I wasn’t sure if they could handle her like I could. So I had a great deal to process emotionally.
Here are my tips:
1. Put all the school supplies in a box for the open house. This makes it easy to carry them. Then once you get to the classroom you can sort the supplies easily. I found that plastic bags were hard to carry. The teacher may ask to use the box. I put the supplies in a diaper box.
2. For kindergarten, kids don’t need a fancy or big book bag. It needs to be big enough to carry some folders, a change of clothes and a lunch box.
3. You will have some free time. I suggest volunteering or being the classroom parent. I loved volunteering at my daughter’s school. It was a chance for me to get the inside scoop on the school and I learned some great tips that helped my daughter out. I’ve seen moms volunteering with their younger children in tow. Most teachers like a set day. It was easy to schedule with the teacher when I would volunteer.
4. Be prepared to still send school supplies during the school year. Things like glue sticks and crayons run low in January.
5. Try not to let your anxiety steal any joy you may have. I wished I hadn’t been so nervous. After meeting the teacher and seeing the school, I felt better. Her kindergarten teacher had been a teacher for 12 years and was capable of handling Zoe and her Zoeisms. Open house to me was harder because of my anxiety. I wished I had taken a breath and enjoyed it more.
6. Become part of a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Different schools may have other names so check with your school. Even dads can join. There is usually a table set up at the school’s open house. I would say this a must do. Working and stay-at-home moms should join. My working mom friends schedule certain days during the school year to participate.
7. Prepare to pay certain fees at the open house. For me, it was the fee for the PTO, agenda fee and I bought some school spirit wear.
8. Most schools have Facebook pages so join them as a way to connect to other parents and ask questions. I love how I’ve gotten reassurance, advice, and tips from more seasoned parents.
9. Go with them on the first day and take tons of pictures. My daughter’s school was really good about this. Then afterward meet up with the other moms to cry, laugh or just hang out. We meet up at a local coffee house.
10. Have the school calendar on your phone, a copy on the wall and the school menu. It’s a great way to have information easily accessible especially when they have half days or special functions.
11. Wait till after the first month to meet your child at school for lunch. This was good for me to let go of Zoe and for her to let go of me. I would bring her a special lunch and hang out with her. Lunch is usually just 20-30 minutes so it goes by quickly.
This is a huge step for all involved. After a full week of school Zoe and I had both fallen into a nice routine. I could email the teacher or write on the school agenda any concerns I had. Most teachers are pros when it comes to dealing with the kids and parents.
Don’t be afraid to have open communication with both the school and teachers. The hardest part for me was not overreacting to every comment from the teacher. Don’t be afraid to speak up but, breathe first before responding.
At the end of the first week, most of my anxiety subsided and Zoe was having a blast at school. I was so happy for her and some newly found freedom for me.
Here’s to a great 2018-2019 school year!
Go Class of 2031!
