Transitioning to Kindergarten

There are not many negative things to say about participating in the PAIIR program. Maybe you'd feel sad that you didn't get into the class you really hoped to get into because all of your friends got in, or maybe you wish there were more classes held after you were done with work. The fact is most of the people who attend PAIIR love it. Most are sad when their children age out of PAIIR. I like to joke that I had a third child just so I could participate for 5 more years.

The one thing that PAIIR does not prepare you for is the transition to Kindergarten. Don't get me wrong. The KIDS are prepared fantastically. It's the parents who are ill-prepared for sending their children into the unknown.

PAIIR is fantastic in that it lets you get to know other parents and their children (in most cases) quite well. Strong bonds can be formed in as little as a few months. I am still in contact with many of the families I met when my oldest child (now 8 years old) was in PAIIR. Some of them I met in infant classes with daughter.

By the time your child is about to leave the PAIIR program you, as a parent, start to take for granted that you know and trust the people who are taking care of your child in your absence. The PAIIR teachers are fantastic and loving and exude warmth and caring. You know your child is in safe hands. You know the teachers well. You know the other kids. You know their parents. You know that you have similar values if you are attending a program like PAIIR.

When you send your child to Kindergarten it is a very scary thing for many PAIIR parents. You're used to being involved in your child's life and knowing with whom he/she's interacting. Often your introduction to your child's Kindergarten teacher is a quick "hello" and "welcome" and you're left feeling unprepared to trust this person with your precious baby.

That's not to say that my children haven't had great Kindergarten teachers. The two that have gone to Kindergarten so far have had wonderful teachers and I know they are good people.

The truth is, you have to make the effort yourself to get to know your child's teacher and the children in the class. You may even get to know some of the parents. It's up to you. Volunteer in your child's class if at all possible. I know it's hard for many. But if you can use some of that vacation time to get to know your child's world, please do so. You will find it remarkably rewarding.

I know most of my children's classmates by name. I know their personalities. The smile and say hi when they see me. I've helped them. They see I care about them. Kindergarten is a big year for children and parents, full of transitions and new experiences. It's also the best year to get to know the children and the teachers who will be forming your child's life for the next 6 years or more.

Make the experience transitioning to Kindergarten the best it can be. Make an effort. Talk to the teachers, talk to the children. If there are other parents around, talk with them.

There's nothing better than, if your child has to go through a bad experience with another child, knowing exactly the child he/she is talking about...because you've met him/her, you've talked to him/her. And next time you volunteer you can give that child the stink eye. Just kidding.

***********
Heather is a stay at home mom to three kids: an 8-year-old daughter who is in third grade, a 6-year-old son who is in first grade and a 2-year-old daughter who still gets to hang out with mom at home.

*********

Are you sending a child to Kindergarten next fall (2011)? Join PAIIR at the Kickoff to Kindergarten November 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Northrop Education Center. Representatives from the Rochester School District will be on hand to answer your questions.