Kindergarten is one of the most important milestones in a young child’s life. Even if a child is comfortable in a group situation (e.g., those children who have experienced full time child care), kindergarten means a new - and big - school, a new teacher, new friends, a new routine; it's an unknown adventure. It is no wonder that starting kindergarten can sometimes create anxiety and stress for children and their parents.

Here are some tips to make this exciting transition easier for both the parent and child:

First and foremost, parents need to portray a positive attitude and be supportive of the kindergartener. Share upbeat stories about your first day at school. Both parents and teachers can share story books about starting Kindergarten. This can open topics of conversation about school and help a child reveal anxieties he might have. Talk to your child about what the first day will probably be like. Tell him about being able to interact with other children, the new books and puzzles, areas for big blocks, a computer station, science activities, and even a playground. Emphasize that schools are wonderful places to learn and it is a child's job to go to school, just like it is your job to go to work.  Talk about the friends who will be in his classroom. If you don't know who will be in his class, see if you can get a list and meet some of the future classmates at a playground or other informal area before the start of the year.

Visiting the school is a great way to battle jitters. If it isn’t possible to visit the classroom and meet the teacher, walk through the school a couple of times to familiarize her with the cafeteria, restrooms, etc. Talk with her about situations where she might feel unsure, such as where she’ll use the restroom or where she’ll eat lunch. Take your child to the playground to play. If she will be walking to school, practice taking the exact route she will take. Even a drive past the school grounds can make a child more comfortable.

A few weeks before school begins, share a shopping day with your kindergartener. This simple ritual is grounding for a child. It helps him plan ahead and think about the day. When shopping for his clothes, pick “power learning” clothes. Your child will sit, jump, bounce, run, stretch, crouch, and bend, so clothes and footwear must be comfortable. Make sure clothes are durable and easy to clean, because kindergarteners get messy when they explore, discover, and experiment – and rightly so! Clothes, jackets, and shoes should be easy for your child to independently put on, take off, and fasten. Spend time practicing with him. Let your child pick out a special lunch box and book bag.  Include him in placing his name on his personal items for school. This will help him feel empowered and part of the process.

Several weeks in advance, create your school routine and practice it daily. Adjust your child’s bedtime so she will get between eight-and-a half to nine hours of sleep each night. A good night’s sleep is necessary in order to be fully rested, better organized, interested in learning and alert enough to function. Practice waking at the “new” school time so your child’s body will get in synch. Lay out clothes the night before and find a special place to keep the school book bag. By the time the first day of school arrives, this process and routine will be familiar to her.

Encourage healthy eating habits. Serve a nutritious breakfast and NEVER let your child skip breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day. Pack wholesome food for snacks and avoid foods high in fats and carbohydrates. Good nutrition is one of the keys to a successful school experience.

Just before the big day, let your child make a picture for his teacher. You’ll be amazed how much both the child and teacher enjoy this! Children feel best when they come to school with something to give the teacher. It gives your child something to hold as he walks through the door and it creates an immediate connection with his new teacher. Your child may feel more confident walking up to meet the teacher this way. If, however, your child is shy and resists, don't push it. The picture can be just as easily delivered via the classroom mailbox.

As a parent, you will be concerned about the “academic” preparedness of your child for the big step to kindergarten. First, think about how much your child has learned already. Kindergarten will only develop and build on these skills.

Skill Sets
As a child enters kindergarten his language development should include MOST of the following skills:
• Discussing real-life experiences with other people
• Making his needs known
• Following simple instructions
• Answering simple questions
• Re-telling a story that has been read to him
• Scribbling, drawing, or writing with pencils and crayons
• Singing familiar songs

Motor development skills that should be mastered include:
• Enjoying indoor and outdoor play
• Putting on and taking off shoes and socks independently
• Putting puzzles together
• Using scissors to cut along a straight line
• Using fine motor skills by drawing, coloring, and writing letters and numbers

Independent skills that are important are:
• Knowing his name and address
• Putting on and taking off shoes and socks by himself
• Dressing himself
• Washing his own face and hands
• Using the toilet independently
• Finishing a task and tidying up

Socialization skills should include:
• Knowing how to initiate contact with other children
• Understanding that hitting, biting, and yelling are inappropriate ways to show anger
• Sharing an adult’s attention with several other children
• Playing cooperatively with other children
• Sharing and taking turns
If children have most of these skills, they are more likely to be able to begin the school year strong.

It's Time
When that momentous day arrives, there is one important rule to follow. Walk your child to the classroom where he can hand his teacher that very special picture. Kiss him good-bye and re-assure him that you’ll be back when school is over. If your child clings to you and cries at the top of his lungs, the best thing to do is leave quickly. The longer you stay, the more difficult the situation will be. Do Not Sneak Away! This teaches your child to distrust you. Say your good-byes and leave. (The teachers will love you for this.) After the first day of school is over and both you and your child have survived, make some special time to discuss your child’s day. Go out to dinner or have an ice cream to celebrate.

Conclusion
Like any transition, the start of kindergarten can create anxieties for children, whether it’s apparent or not. Don’t assume your child is taking it in stride. By implementing some of these ideas, you’ll lessen your child’s stress and make this big step as smooth as possible. Keep in mind the importance of a positive attitude. Help set the tone for a productive educational and social experience!

Marta Jo Slater, M.A. in Education, is Director of HOPE Child Development Center in Wilmington, NC. She was 2005 National Child Care Director of the Year.