Starting kindergarten is a milestone in child development because your little one is embarking on their formal academic journey. Although it’s an exciting time, this transition can be challenging for kids who have never been away from home for extended periods. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help your little one prepare for the first day.

4 Tips to Getting Your Kid Ready for Kindergarten

1. Shop for Supplies Together

Many parents prefer to quickly pickup school supplies without their child. However, doing this errand together is an important part of child development as it’ll help your little one understand why they need the supplies and what they’ll be doing with them. Let your child pick their pencils and notebooks so that they get excited about using their new supplies.

2. Establish a Bedtime

Setting a bedtime will help your child get accustomed to schedules. When they’re in kindergarten, they’ll have an easier time accepting that there’s a designated time for each activity, like reading, eating lunch, and playing.

Establishing an early bedtime also enables proper learning behaviors for your student because they’ll be alert and ready to learn the following day. Additionally, sleeping late has negative effects on child development, so make sure you schedule bedtime early enough for them to settle down and fall asleep at a reasonable hour.

3. Create a Morning Routine

Kids may be nervous while getting ready for school, so give your little one enough time to get ready at their own pace. Practice this routine for a few weeks leading up to the first day of kindergarten, and take note of how long it takes your child to get ready so that you can wake them up earlier if needed. Do what you can to ease their morning routine, like laying out their clothes for them the night before.

4. Make Time for Breakfast

This meal will fuel your child and give them the energy to tackle the day. Proper nutrition is an important part of child development, and a healthy breakfast will help them focus during their lessons. Ditch the sweet, easy-to-heat pastries, and opt for calcium-fortified cereals and fibrous whole-grain toast.

If your little one will be old enough for kindergarten soon, consider enrolling them at the Sound of Success Preschool and Learning Center in Aiea, HI.Their diverse curriculum includes social studies, mathematics, STEM, and art. These dedicated educators will also email parents photos and videos of their child learning and succeeding in the classroom. Learn more about their programs online, or call (808) 488-2211 to inquire about enrollment.