Kindergarten 2021: expert tips to prepare your child for kindy
From packing the right lunch to finding the perfect way to say goodbye, our experts tell you how to avoid pitfalls on the first day of kindy.
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The first day of kindy is either finally here or looming large for Sydney kids.
The already daunting prospect of sending your baby off to big school can feel even more nerve wracking due to the limited opportunities for orientation.
But never fear, our experts are here to guide you and your little one safely through this exciting time.
Here are out top 10 DON’TS ahead of the start of term.
1. DON’T LET COVID-19 LEAVE YOU DISTANT
While you might need to be a bit more innovative than before – think Zoom P&C meetings and online fundraisers – it’s more important than ever to connect with your child’s new school even if you are not allowed past the front gate for very long.
Surry Hills’ Bourke Street Public School principal Jason Goode said a school is a community and education is a partnership and he encouraged parents to be as involved as they can.
“We value the importance of children and parents finding their place and sense of belonging at the school and parents being involved,” Mr Goode said.
“So meet the teacher, find ways to get involved, stay connected to what your child is doing.”
Many parents have created unofficial Facebook groups so it’s worth typing in the name of your school to see what pops up in a bid to connect.
2. DON’T OVERSCHEDULE YOUR KINDY KID
Mr Goode said starting school can be unexpectedly full-on for families.
Some parents might consider dialling back on any extra curricular activities and keeping weekends low-key for the first term.
“In those first few days and weeks prepare for a range of ups and downs of new experiences, emotions and learning for children and parents,” Mr Goode said.
“Take it easy, call out to the school at any time with any questions, help or support and try to relax back and enjoy this very special milestone in your child’s life.”
3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO LURK (IN A NON-CREEPY WAY)
Need to pop to the post office? Let’s take a detour and walk past the school! Feel like going for a bike ride? Why here we are again outside your big school!
Psychologist Dr Kimberley O’Brien, from The Quirky Kid Clinic in Woollahra (you can check out their resources at childpsychologist.com.au), said with in-person orientation either limited or not happening at all, it’s a good idea to swing by the school as much as you can.
“As a mum and dad you need to show just as much curiosity as the kid about what is happening in there,” Dr O’Brien said.
“Spy through the gates and get a feel for what’s happening inside.
“Look through the fence and say, ‘I wonder if that’s the computer room?’.”
If your little one hasn’t begun yet, some public schools are starting their kindy kids as late as Tuesday next week, time your visits during pick up and drop off so you can view all the excitement of comings and goings from a distance is also a great way to build positive anticipation.
4. DON’T DRAG OUT THE GOODBYES
“Just one more cuddle. Stay with me one more minute. Please don’t gooooo!” Yep, we’ve all been there.
Dr O’Brien said particularly as parents may not be allowed on school grounds at all or for very long, it is important to nail the drop off process now.
She advises getting a large piece of paper and drawing a mud map of your trip to school.
Involve your child in the process – should we walk or will you ride your scooter? Do we say goodbye at the gate or will we do it in the car? Create your own special ritual and stick to it.
“Do a role play at home and have fun with it,” Dr O’Brien said.
“Make up your own special style of farewelling your child. It could be a kiss, kiss, hug or two kisses on the head.
“Practice what it’s going to be and stick with that.
“Sometimes goodbyes get more emotional when they say I just want to hold you one more time or one more kiss.”
5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET SOME EXPERT GUIDANCE
Dr O’Brien said the last few months had been some of her busiest as parents raced to get their kids assessed.
She reassured parents there doesn’t need to be a crisis to reach out for professional help and often a handful of sessions can put everyone’s minds at ease.
“We do get a peak in assessment just before kids start school,” Dr O’Brien said.
“Things like brief cognitive assessments to make sure they’re on par with their peers or ASD (Austism Spectrum Disorder) assessments.
“Parents can be worried about a behaviour and whether or not it meets a certain criteria and how to manage it.”
6. DON’T BE SHY TO MUM (OR DAD) DATE
This is not an endorsement of a version of Tinder especially for kindy parents.
But if you know of other families sending their kids to the same school, now is the time to hook up – for a play date.
Dr O’Brien said if you aren’t able to directly approach other parents that’s fine because it turns out you have a little wingman to do it for you.
“Give your young person a piece of paper with your phone number on it,” Dr O’Brien advises
“Tell them to say, ‘we’re available Wednesday afternoons can you pass this on to your mum?’”
7. DON’T BUY THE WRONG NUMBER OF UNIFORMS
Did you buy the right number of uniforms? This is not a one size fits all answer.
Firstly, how often do you wash? If you can squeeze in a midweek wash on Wednesday (mornings if you’re going to drip dry or evenings if you use a dryer) and know you will stick to it, you can probably get away with three sets.
However, kindy kids are still at an age where most schools will ask you add a spare uniform in their bag in case of accidents.
If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good idea to try to find a second hand uniform for the backpack as it will (hopefully) be rarely used.
If preloved uniforms are scarce, buy a uniform one size bigger and keep that as your emergency backpack change of clothes.
If you’re caught short, now that you know sizing you can order an extra pair or two online.
Most private schools with an onsite uniform shop will deliver to the classroom as will public schools who utilise a major supplier.
Public school students are often allowed to source generic items such as black shorts or skirts from places like Big W, Target or Lowes.
8. DON’T BUY SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND SHOES TOO EARLY (OR TOO LATE)
According to experts Shoes and Sox, the expectation school shoes will last an entire year may not be possible for rapidly growing kindy kids.
“On average, most younger kids will get six months of wear out of a pair of school shoes before they grow out of them. During times of growth spurts this may be less, and during other times this may be more,” the Shoes and Sox website reads.
9. DON’T PACK THE WRONG KIND OF LUNCH BOX
Accredited practising dietitian Susie Burrell said the biggest mistake parents make is sending too many white carbs.
Ms Burrell told The Daily Telegraph’s Smart Daily, “the key is to seek out wholegrain carbs and fibre-rich options as well as some protein rich foods to strike a balance between fullness and nutrition in your child’s lunch mix”.
She advises packing the following staples.
A wholegrain or wholemeal sandwich, wrap or crackers with protein rich filling such as ham, tuna, chicken or egg.
At least one fruit and one vegetable cut up.
A dairy option such as milk, cheese or yoghurt.
A low sugar snack – preferably homemade muffins, banana bread etc
A water bottle – avoid sugary cordial and juice.
10. DON’T STRESS TOO MUCH
Everything is going to be ok.
They're resilient little people. There may be problems down the track. But you'll overcome them.
Embrace this new experience and encourage your child to as well.
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