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The Kindergarten Blues
Moms Cope With First-Day-of-School Sadness By Teri Brown
(Andrews McMeel, 2003), believes that parental involvement in education is related to kindergarten success.
"Getting involved is being in charge," says Karres. "We manage best when we know what's going on. Plus, helping the kindergarten class makes us feel better because we contribute not only to our child's well-being and growing, but to that of all children – parents are educators, too; here's our chance to shine!"
To get your kindergartener ready for the big day, Karres suggests making a calendar and marking off the days with a sense of excitement. Another activity is to practice the kindergarten routine at home by "playing school."
To get yourself ready to let go of your child's hand at kindergarten, set up some Mommy reward time. Meet a friend for shopping or sign up for some classes. Rediscover interests and passions you had before you had children.
While Shirley Jump plans on catching up on some work, she is also realistic about her own emotions. "I have to have a stiff upper lip because there are days when I have a much harder time with it than they do," says Jump. "I joke about how I can't wait for school to start, but in my heart, I hate to let them go."
She also believes moms should take time for themselves. "Take time for all those special treats you never seem to find a moment for when you have a preschooler in tow, whether it's a leisurely cup of coffee at a cafe or a stroll through the mall – some time alone and uninterrupted to just shop, think or be," says Jump.