Image by Julie Rose from Pixabay

 

Embarking on a Kindergarten Adventure

Hey there, wonderful Creekside Parents and Caregivers!

It’s that time again when the tiny tots we’ve watched over in our cozy preschool nest start spreading their wings for the giant leap into the boundless skies of Kindergarten. Once again, another handful of our Creekside Kids are outgrowing us. We’re sad to see them go but so excited to watch them grow into the people they are meant to be– people who will make a better world someday.  We look forward to seeing them on elementary school breaks and possibly next summer too!

Amidst the excitement, it’s perfectly natural for our little sprouts to feel a flutter of butterflies in their tummies. Various people in their lives (teachers, minders, strangers, and family members) may be adding to their anxieties by telling your child that the differences between preschool/child care and Kindergarten are significant, to the point that your child may have anxieties under the surface about this substantial change in their lives.  Most children have worries about leaving the nest and they may engage in unusual (often negative) behaviors.

 

In last year’s blog, we discussed the reluctance kids have to face the change and how to head it off; this year, we’re here to discuss what to do once the anxieties manifest themselves. Let’s chat about the signs of Kindergarten Anxiety and how we, as their cheer squad, can ease the transition and turn those jitters into joyful jumps! 

 

Spotting the Signs of Kindergarten Jitters

First off, let’s play a little game of detective and look for clues that our kiddos might be feeling anxious about their new adventure.  Your child may engage in a mix of these behaviors:

 

The Case of the Clingy Koala: Is your little one suddenly glued to you like a koala to a eucalyptus tree? Extra clinginess might mean they’re seeking comfort as they face the unknown.

The Mystery of the Mood Swings: One minute, they’re sunny as a beach day; the next, they’re stormier than a raincloud. Moods changing faster than a chameleon’s colors could signal inner worries.

The Puzzle of the Popped-off Playtime: Stepping away from playtime faster than a jack-in-the-box? This could mean school thoughts are crowding out play.

The Riddle of the Restless Nights: If your cutie is tossing and turning like a pancake at breakfast, it may be those kindergarten thoughts baking in their dream oven.

But don’t panic about their anxieties. With a sprinkle of parenting magic and a little communication, the worst of these fears can be overcome. 

 

Many children feel an unrecognized sense of grief or even rejection at being forced to leave their comfortable nest of the preschool/child care environment. Some children are confused and may feel a sense of abandonment by their teachers and the school.  Some feel more loss about not seeing their current friends and worry about making new friends. Being welcomed back to the old stomping grounds for short visits helps ease the underlying feelings of rejection and loss of connection in being made to leave preschool/child care for Kindergarten.  Creekside Kids offers drop-in care on school breaks for our graduates which is a great way to ease the emotional transition.  

 

Helping Hands for a Smooth Kindergarten Transition

Chatter Matters: Let’s make “talk time” our prime time! Sit down for a cup of pretend tea and chat about what Kindergarten might be like. Knowing more can turn a shadowy and uncertain future into a welcome change. 

Playdate the Anxiety Away: Arrange playdates with future classmates. New friends before school starts can make that first day feel like a reunion rather than a mystery guest party.

Role Play, Hooray!: You be the teacher, and they’ll be the student (or the other way around – we love a good twist in the tale!). Act out a school day to show that Kindergarten is just another stage for them to be the star.  

Visit the Kingdom of Kindergarten: If it’s okay with the new learning palace, take a royal tour of the Kindergarten grounds during the summer for play and exploration time. Knowing where they’ll hang their backpack to learn and play can help the children realize it is similar to their preschool experience. Going with them reminds them that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that you are always watching over them.

Routine, Routine, Routine Turns the Scary into Serene: Establish and practice a solid morning routine that would make the movie Groundhog Day jealous. Consistency can turn the Great Unknown into the Great “I’ve Got This!”

Hang On Once the Train Leaves the Station: Let’s lace up our adventure boots and help our kids take this next grand step together. After all, every new chapter is just a chance to add more delightful stories to our children’s book of life. 

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.