15 Valuable Insights to Transition to Kindergarten and New Normal Parenting

Here it is again, the start of a new school year. But this year is different….very different. This year my baby starts kindergarten. Sending your child to kindergarten is not for the faint of heart. I have come up with 15 Valuable Insights to Transition to Kindergarten and New Normal Parenting

Valuable Insights on Sending Your Child to Kindergarten

As I looked around, this summer, it was obvious that I am no longer a stroller mom. You know the stroller moms. The ones who:

• Takes 10 minutes to unstrap the kids and get out of the car
• Has her hair unbrushed and spit up on her clothes
• Tired (I mean, really tired)
• Most days don’t leave the house due to nap schedules and too much trouble
• Carrying 100 things at a time

I could go on….

Although I’m still many of those things, I’m no longer in the baby phase. I still deal with tantrums with a louder, much bigger child. I still wear yoga pants when I’m not going to yoga. I’m still tired and flustered, but the differences are enormous.

When I was a stroller mom, I remember someone telling me the baby phase was ok because “Big kid, big problems.” I remember looking at her and nodding while thinking, “Talk to me when I’ve slept more than 4 hours straight.” I realize now, that was valuable insight from a seasoned mom.

And it’s true. Baby moms can’t fully see the beauty in these chubby tiny babies because they suck the life out of you. Their problems are eating, sleeping, playing, pooping, repeat. My baby now faces bullies, learning at a pace that pushes towards testing, increased independence, relationships that I don’t control, and situations I can not protect him from.

New Normal Parenting

As my son steps towards his kindergarten doors, I regain some of myself. I recover time in my day, the energy that took, and the quiet I have not had in 8 years. All these things I wished for as a stay-at-home mom desperate in the winter months feeling trapped and lonely are now coming to me. And now I want my babies back.

For years, all I wanted to do was go to the store alone. I was once tapped on the shoulder by a nice old woman who calmly said, “Miss, your daughter is standing in the cart.” As I turned my head back from the cereal aisle, she leaped from her seat, and I caught her. I wanted calm, and now the calm feels boring. Now, I talk to myself and look crazy (They never really listened, but at least I had someone with me.) I need my shopping buddies!
I’m now the mom smiling at babies and telling stories about mine while the stroller mom thinks, “Talk to me when I’m sleeping more.”

When your baby goes to kindergarten, it’s an end of an era. It’s an era that some may happily leave behind with diapers and childcare tuition. But with new generations come new problems, big kid problems.

It will change us both. As a stay-at-home mom, I gave up my life. I gave up my job, my only friends were moms at the library, and I sacrificed a lot while my husband traveled. Additionally, I nursed and battled chronic migraine without medication. I look back at those years as hard. Like, tears roll down my face as I’m writing this HARD. I didn’t recognize myself those days because I wasn’t just myself; I was them. Every second of my day revolved around these tiny humans that I had pushed out of my body and continued to give. Gone are the days of playing and reading to them all day while no longer scraping Play-Doh out of their mouths and running wild.

Sending my Child to Kindergarten

The valuable insights of this year are new to my kindergartner, new to me, and similar in nature. I have a lot of hope.

• I hope he is safe. 
• We all need safety.
• I hope he makes many strong friendships.  My hope is to see mine more.
• I hope he is healthy with the new cesspool of germs that will live in his classroom.  Overall, I hope with the added time to myself that I can focus more on my health and advocate to improve the lives of many migraine and chronic illness fighters.

As my baby finds his way to the kindergarten doors, it’s hard not to think that I won’t be needed as much. The reality is, after my oldest went, she needed me more in a big kid, big problem way. I may not need to teach him to speak, but I must teach him to communicate. I may not need to put him down for a nap, but I need to help him understand how to relax and decompress after a long day. I’m no longer his only friend, and I need to help him navigate the ways of friendship, build lasting ones, and avoid toxic people. My baby bird is leaving the nest, and I know he will soar above the clouds as I count the seconds until he’s securely tucked back in.

Whether you were a stay-at-home mom or a full-time working parent who has had their child in daycare since they were a few months old, you still fear “big kid, big problems.” You may be looking forward to no more childcare payments. You may be relieved to have some added time. But we all face changes in schedule and dynamics in the home. Everyone’s lives change.

I’m no longer the stroller mom. I’m the carpool mom, the sports mom, wherever life takes them mom, the still tired mom. Regardless of the title, I’m proud to be a mom.

15 Valuable Insights to Transition to Kindergarten and New Normal Parenting

Sending your child to kindergarten can be both an exciting and challenging transition for both you and your child. It marks a significant milestone in their development and also presents an opportunity for you to establish a new routine and adapt to a different phase of parenting. Here are valuable insights to help you navigate this transition and find your new normal:

1. Prepare Emotionally: It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when your child starts kindergarten, including excitement, anxiety, and even a bit of sadness. Take time to acknowledge and process these feelings. Talk to other parents who have gone through a similar experience for advice and reassurance.
2. Stay Informed: Learn about the kindergarten curriculum, routines, and expectations. Knowing what your child will experience can help ease your worries and allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with your child about their day.
3. Visit the School: If possible, arrange visits to the kindergarten with your child before the actual start date. Familiarity with the environment can help alleviate their anxiety and make them feel more comfortable.
4. Establish a Routine: With your child now attending kindergarten, your daily routine may need to be adjusted. Create a new schedule that accommodates drop-offs, pick-ups, and any new activities you may want to pursue while your child is at school. Having a routine can help both you and your child adjust to the changes.
5. Positive Communication: Talk to your child about kindergarten in a positive and encouraging way. Highlight the fun experiences they’ll have, the new friends they’ll make, and all the exciting things they’ll learn.
6. Meet the Teacher: Establish a connection with your child’s teacher. Share any relevant information about your child’s personality, interests, and any concerns you might have. This can help the teacher understand your child better and create a more supportive environment.
7. Stay Involved: Even though your child is in school, you can still be involved in their education. Attend parent-teacher meetings, participate in school events, and volunteer when possible. This involvement can help you feel connected to your child’s educational journey.
8. Self-Care: As you adapt to your new normal, don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or spending time with friends. Taking care of your own well-being will help you manage any feelings of emptiness or loss during this transition.
9. Set Goals: Use this time to set personal goals for yourself. Whether it’s pursuing further education, starting a new project, or rekindling a long-lost passion, having goals to work towards can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
10. Connect with Other Parents: Building a support network with other parents who are experiencing the same phase can be invaluable. You can share experiences, tips, and advice, and this can help alleviate any worries or concerns you might have.
11. Explore New Interests: With more free time on your hands, consider exploring new interests or hobbies. Engaging in activities that you enjoy can help you fill the void and make the most of your child-free hours.
12. Volunteer or Work: If you’re not working or volunteering, now might be a good time to consider it. This can provide a sense of purpose, structure, and social interaction, helping you adjust to your new routine.
13. Maintain Open Communication: Stay connected with your child’s kindergarten teachers and stay involved in their education. This can help you feel engaged and informed about your child’s progress and experiences at school.
14. Celebrate Achievements: As your child reaches new milestones and accomplishments in kindergarten, celebrate their successes. This positive focus can help you embrace this new phase of your life and yours.
15. Stay Positive and Patient: Remember that transitions take time. Be patient with yourself and your child as you both adapt to this new chapter. Keep a positive outlook and remind yourself of the benefits and opportunities that come with this change.

Sending your child to kindergarten is a big step, but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the chance to find your new normal, explore new facets of your identity, and continue to nurture your own well-being while supporting your child’s development. Hopefully some of these valuable insights will be helpful.

To a happy, healthy, safe, and fun school year!