Essential Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day of Kindergarten!

The first day of kindergarten is a significant milestone for both the child and their parents. In France, education is mandatory from the age of 3: most students begin in preschool and then progress to middle and upper kindergarten sections. Under certain conditions, enrollment from age 2 is also possible. To approach this transition with confidence, child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Myriam Szejer shares her tips for preparing for the big day.

What to Plan for Kindergarten Entry?

Before the start of kindergarten, parents typically check off all the boxes on their checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten on the big day. Here is a list of tasks to prepare for your child’s first school entry:

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• Schedule a medical appointment to confirm vaccinations for your child (required for school admission).
• Prepare your child’s bag with the requested school supplies.
• Add name labels to your child’s clothing and belongings.
• Purchase a backup comfort object and a pacifier for school, if they are allowed.
• Learn about the childcare options at the school (cafeteria services, daycare, etc.).
• Schedule the nanny’s hours according to the school’s timetable (if necessary).
• Prepare a copy of your civil liability insurance, which covers your child and serves as school insurance.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day of Kindergarten?

Beyond gathering supplies and handling some administrative tasks, it’s important to prepare your child for kindergarten. If they have previously been in daycare or with a nanny along with other children, they are already accustomed to being separated from you and interacting in a group setting. Now, it’s time to explain what a school day looks like: talk about the teacher, the games and activities, playtime, nap times, etc. Also remind them, without putting pressure, about good behavior like listening to the teacher and respecting classmates.

Regarding toilet training, to ensure everything goes smoothly, reassure your child by explaining that if there’s a problem, they won’t be scolded but helped to change. If you’re worried about potential accidents, discuss it with the teacher and pack an extra set of clothes in the backpack.

How Does the First Day of Kindergarten Go?

This varies by school, but generally, the first day in preschool is all about adjustment. On the first day, parents can stay with their child in the classroom, often for an hour, to help them settle in. They can read a story, do an activity together, and meet the teacher and the classroom assistant. Once the parents leave, the teacher will introduce the classroom routines to the children, explaining some school rules (like taking attendance, lining up two by two, using the coat rack, etc.), followed by the day’s first activities and games.

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What Attitude Should Parents Adopt on The First Day?

On kindergarten’s first day, one or both parents usually accompany their child to the classroom. To make the transition smoother and to avoid meltdowns, Myriam Szejer advises “letting fathers take the lead on this day. In our cultures, they play a ‘separating’ role. Children often react differently with their fathers: less fuss, more pride, just what’s needed to ease the transition!”

She also reminds that in any case, “parents should not prolong the goodbye, come back for a ‘last hug,’ or start crying in front of the child!“ This only rekindles sadness and keeps the child in a stressful situation. “Simply say firmly ‘I’m going, see you later,’ give your child a smile, a kiss, and leave without looking back or keeping an eye on them during the first few hours of class,” she advises. Also, remember to be on time when picking up your child at school initially, to prevent them from feeling abandoned if you are late.

If the separation still happens amid tears, know that most children calm down as soon as their parent leaves the school. However, if the situation persists over the following days or weeks, it might indicate that your child isn’t quite ready for kindergarten and might need a little more time before starting.