What Your Child Really Needs to Know Before They Start Kindergarten...

This post was originally published in 2015 and still holds true today. It seems fitting to repost it now, as the author (my lovely friend and colleague, Robyn) is now sending her youngest off to Kindergarten (if you can call having your own child in your class "sending" them off). If you have a little starting kindergarten or know someone who does, have a read, share it around and remember, it takes a village.

It's that time of year...Back to School. Every year at this time, Facebook and Pinterest are filled with posts about the 50, 75 or 100 things your child needs to know before they start kindergarten. Talk about stressful! Admittedly, the parent in me read those lists and mentally tallied up the things that my kid could do and the things she couldn't; the educator in me just cringed and reminded me that the developmental continuum is at one of it's widest points as our children enter K and this is not the time for comparison (is there ever a time?). Cue my lovely, oft-mentioned Kindergarten teacher and friend who very eloquently responded to one such post just the other day. Her response was so on-point that I asked her to guest blog about it here!

As a Kindergarten teacher and mummy to my first entering 'my zone', I'll admit I won't read these lists. I find them way too stressful and frankly, I'm maxed on stuff to worry about. While I don't generally think it's reasonable to make uninformed comments on random posts, I threw caution to the wind on this one and refered to my inner guide,: my heart.

If I were to make a list of the things the kids coming in to my class every year need to know, my list would look something like this: 

Some things your kid really needs to know before entering school

 -  That you love them, always. 
 -  How to love themselves, always.
 -  How to navigate mistakes as learning and opportunity.
 -  How to see there is magic in differences.
 -  How to be a good friend.
 -  How to laugh and enjoy fun.
 -  How to take care of themselves, each other and their place. 
 -  How to achieve and maintain a happy heart.
 -  How to love books, print, art, stories, nature, playing, inventing games.
 -  How to love and be loved... 

There are so many things that I could add but they would all be heart centered. It's my jam. My colleagues and I can and will teach the rest of the stuff (it really is just stuff).. It's important stuff but... it's stuff. What really counts, what really matters, is that kiddos feel safe and loved, that their bucket is full and that they can share that with others. 

Parents, we know you're doing your best, we honour that. Many of you need to honour that in yourselves too. Don't worry about lists! Read this and feel it, for you AND for your kids. Don't we all need a little more of this? There's nothing your children can't do without the village that makes up their team. Teachers are part of your team and most importantly, your kid's team. We realize that children are each on their own journey. They each come with their own unique strengths and challenges. We too, want for your kids to be happy, healthy and successful, however that looks for them. We are in this together. 

Oh, remember to take a minute to breathe and laugh too. Time passes so quickly, don't miss the moments worrying about lists.    

Beautiful, isn't it? My humblest thanks for joining me on this, Robyn!