Advice you didn't know you needed for starting kindy

After 30 years in the classroom, a teacher has expert tips for parents embarking on the kindergarten journey in 2025. 

It’s the most stressful time of the year - and no, I’m not talking about Christmas. 

For some parents there’s an even bigger storm cloud looming and it’s called kindergarten. 

There’s no doubting its the start of an exciting adventure filled with milestones and adorable photo opportunities - but it’s also daunting. 

A Sydney teacher of 30 years has shared expert advice to prepare for the transition. 

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RELATED: The first morning of school is the wrong time to take photos

The tips you'll want to bookmark: 

• Buy your child's lunch box and school bag together to ensure they can get their lunch box in and out easily. 
• Pack lunch and recess items as you would for school. Make sure you practice opening and closing the lunchbox - and everything packed inside it - with your child.
• Don't over pack! Fruit for crunch and sip, sandwich and a snack and another piece of fruit or snack for recess. Don't forget to include a water bottle and a frozen popper to keep lunch cool. 
• Ensure your child can identify their name and their items. 
• If your child cannot tie shoelaces keep it simple with velcro shoes.
• Don't get a bag that's too big - it needs to carry a lunch box, jacket, a home reading folder, drink bottle and hat.
• Read stories to your child to make sure that they're able to sit through a story and ask questions about what was read. 
• Build hand and finger strength. Use stickers, paint with water on a wall/easel, use tongs/tweezers to pick up and move objects, draw, colour in, build with Lego. 
•  Be positive about school. Attend kind orientation sessions. If you've missed them, go for a visit/tour of school, look at the school website or their Facebook page to share information with your child. 
• Ensure to capture the special memories and take photos. 
• Focus on good things that happen. Try not to ask for negatives as your child will always think of something to tell you.
• A respectful relationship between home and school is really important. Be upfront with the staff about your child's needs if you have information that will help both your child and the teacher.

Image: iStock

• If your child has particular interests, let the teacher know. They may have resources around this interest in the classroom.
• Make sure your child has had their eyes checked and had all their check ups. Early intervention is best and it's easier to access specialists. 
• Be on time for drop off and pickup. These transition times can make children very anxious if they have to walk into class late or be the only one waiting after school. 
• Attending school every day is important when children are making new friends and learning school routines. 
• Your child will be really tired so good night time routines and a good night's sleep are beneficial. 
•  Try to do home reading if given by the teacher
• If your child is anxious, the best thing to do, is to leave your child with the teacher. Don't go back or negotiate. The school will contact you if necessary. 
• If your child takes toys to school, don't send their favourite toy. It may get lost or damaged. 
• Make sure your child's name is on everything.  

Listen to Em and Leah dive into the essentials of school readiness on the Mum Club podcast. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

• Be proud of any work they bring home. Talk about it and display it on the fridge.
• Try to be up to date with all school communication. Know when sport day is, library day, mufti day, etc so you can prepare your child in advance. 
• If possible be involved! Join the p&c, go to parent-teacher interviews, carnivals, whatever you can manage. 

Originally published as Advice you didn't know you needed for starting kindy