Uniform check, backpack check and lunch recipes check. Everything seems to be ready and organised, even our beloved children can’t wait to start their first day of kindergarten. So why is it always so hard for the parents?
Getting ready to send my first born to kindergarten is like an emotional roller coaster. A bit like parenting in general. One-minute I’m sharing in his excitement about the new journey, new friends he will make and the change in his daily routine. The next I’m petrified of the exposure to big school, bullying and all that goes with kids growing up in today’s world.
So, what do we do to get through this? Well, we put our big girl and boy pants on, show our excitement and seek feedback and advice from other parents who are going through the same thing.
Just in our immediate local area of Oran Park, Harrington Park and Gregory Hills, there is no doubt that the numbers are expected to be high of the fresh little faces that will be heading to school for their first day. I wanted to speak to some of our local parents about what they are doing to prepare themselves for this milestone.
Jane, a Gregory Hills resident, shares her tip for this time. “I’m embracing the time I have now. I’m making a conscious effort to spend more time with my daughter Everly before her first day. We are going shopping and having a pamper day and just making her feel special which helps me also”.
Harrington Park dad Carlos explained that for him, “it’s about the whole family being there on that first day to send their son Michael off. Taking the morning off from work so that they can support each other and share in this family milestone”.
When I asked my little kindy starter what he was looking forward to the most, his reply was simple, lunch. This of course goes without saying. Pack them a vegemite sandwich, a hug and an ‘I love you’ and they will be on their merry way, most likely not even turning back to say bye.
To all the parents out there sharing this upcoming journey with me, my advice as I too find my big girl pants, is this. Don’t forget your tissues, remember this is just part of the parenting process and an exciting time for our little ones and be happy and excited for them. The more nervous you are, the more they will be too. Good luck and enjoy.