Survive Kindergarten & Beyond With Tips From Big Kid Parents

So your kid is officially in kindergarten. Congratulations on making it through the first five years of parenthood!

Whether this morning’s drop-off was seamless or filled with tears, knowing that your baby is moving on to “big kid school” can be a jarring realization for Mom and Dad.

Does my kid have enough focus to survive in today’s kindergarten? Will he make friends? Do I have enough wine to get through Common Core math?

Who better to lean on in this time of change than those who have gone before us? We asked some Brooklyn parents what they would tell themselves if they could go back to their child’s first day of kindergarten. Here are their wise and knowledgeable answers.

“If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to only measure your child’s progress against his or her past performance. Never against others. Oh, and always empty those lunch boxes before a long break!” — Chris Schneider

“Slow down and enjoy each day – it goes by so fast! Before you know it, the big kindergarten birthday class celebration turns into a high five and happy birthday to your fifth grader.” — Patty Cavallo

“I am now the parent of a smart, vivacious, sometimes sassy, but always caring and beautiful 12-year-old daughter who is starting 7th grade this year. Looking back to her first day of kindergarten, I think I would tell myself that it’s all going to be okay! Being a parent of a child who needs extra support, I stressed over every decision, and second guessed myself a million times. Someone very near and dear to me always said, ‘This too shall pass,’ and so, when the road had bumps — and there were many bumps — I knew eventually they would pass. Looking back today, I can honestly say that things wind up the way they are supposed to be. Now if only I can convince myself I’m going to make it through the tween years.” – Kim Salmon

“Trust your school. If things don’t seem to be going right — if your child is unhappy, stressed, struggling, having a conflict with another student, or otherwise having a hard time — take it to your teacher and administration and work together to find solutions. Trust in their caring, dedication, and expertise, and keep it in mind if they suggest answers that aren’t the first ones you would have thought of. If you don’t feel that trust, you’re probably in the wrong place.” — Dan Janzen

“As Brooklynites, we’ve researched every possible school and program available for our kids. We’ve tested the kids, toured the schools, questioned the teachers. We’ve hosted playdates to get the lowdown on various schools. We’ve, in short, exhausted our resources. The schools my kids enter on Wednesday have been well thought out and a number of people — myself and my kids included — feel their best odds of success/happiness are there. I’m moving forward with that feeling.” — Amber Ceffalio

“Try not to sweat the small stuff. Take advantage when you can of the chances to get into the classroom for trips, parties, and presentations. Take photos of the artwork and homework you find particularly cute — even if you plan to save some hard copies, it’s more accessible to see it when you look through old pics. Most importantly, though — just savor it all.” — Ellen Hollander Sande

“This is only the beginning, so don’t sweat the small stuff. And when you do — because you will, eventually — ask yourself if that thing you’re stressing out about will truly effect her education or, her future. If not, push on.” — Jim and Jenn Newman

What advice would you give new kindergarten parents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.