Are you a parent sitting on the fence thinking: 

• Should I or should I Not Send my child to kindergarten?

• I know enough to teach my child everything he/she needs to know just as well as any kindergarten teacher.

• Why should I send my child to preschool and miss out on our last year of precious time together?

Do you have these debating thoughts in your mind? If so then, let me help you decide.

Let’s Focus on the 3 Reasons Why Kindergarten is Important for your Child’s Early Years of Learning and Development.

1. Emotional Regulation During Separation

This is one of the most important skills a child must learn in preparation for school readiness; how to regulate their emotions when saying goodbye in the morning and how to stay brave all day long.

It is important, especially if your child is not used to having time away from you. 

Think about this; wouldn’t it be better if your child happily waves you goodbye when they first start school, instead of clinging to you and crying. 

Yes…. It would be, because then your child would be able to get a head start. He will be able to start focusing on learning instead of learning to regulate his emotions first. 

A school system is different to preschool. Teachers will not have the time to sit with your child to comfort him all day. 

Trust me, you do not want your child to begin their school year like this. You would want your child to be happy, focused and make lots of friends when he starts school. You would want him to make good memories. 

But, for a child to learn to regulate their emotions during separation does not happen overnight.

For some children, and yes, also parents, it is the most difficult phase of their ‘getting ready for school’ journey. 

Emotions when separating can be quite overwhelming for both the parent and the child.

Wouldn’t you rather learn this separation process with someone who understands how to support your child during this phase? 

A kindergarten teacher will be much more patient and understanding with your child than a teacher at school, as teaching children how to regulate their emotions is part of the kindergarten learning and development curriculum.

The kindergarten teacher will also be able to work with you in developing some strategies to help your child settle quicker into preschool.

If you would like to learn how you could support your child with separation anxiety and get over the drop off dramas fast, I highly recommend this simple but practical handbook.

Parents handbook- Parent handbook - Defeat Daycare Drop Off Dramas with 3 new Habit

Here are also 15 Best Parent Tips on how to Prepare Your Child for Their First Kindergarten Day to Avoid Separation Anxiety and Drop Off Dramas.

2. Learning Positive Social Interaction Skills

This may be the first time your child will become part of a large group. 

It might take some time for your child, and maybe even you to realize that now everything must be shared, the toys, space, and even the teacher’s attention and time. 

Your child is not the center of attention anymore but part of a community.

However, you do not need to worry that your child will be ignored or not given the support or the assistance he needs.

Remember, Early Childhood Educators are well trained, and I take my hat off to them. They go far and beyond in ensuring great care and safety for all children. 

Instead of feeling lost in this big number, children are taught how to interact with each other as part of the kindergarten community in a positive, respectful, and engaging way.

This is an integral part of the Kindergarten Learning Curriculum.

So, you see, this is something that is intentionally encouraged and taught to the children in a friendly environment through children’s natural play.

At Kindergarten, Children Learn To-

• Ask for a turn using words instead of chucking a tantrum

• Wait for their turn after asking, instead of snatching.

• Stand up for themselves, by using words to ask their peers to stop doing something that they don’t like, instead of whacking them on the head.

• Ask for help (using words) from a teacher instead of crying to seek their attention.

• Approach peers to join in their play or initiate play with others. This is a very important skill for learning how to develop friendships.

Are you thinking; but I can teach all these to my child at home?

Yes, I am sure you can. But think of it this way.

 Is it the same cooking for a couple and cooking for a large gathering? No of course not!

Because now you may have to apply some tricks, use different cooking equipment or maybe even use a more economical recipe.

Similarly, your child needs to learn social skills for interacting with a group of peers.

At kindergarten, your child will learn ways for negotiating, resolving conflicts with others, celebrating wins but also learning to accept defeat, cooperation and learning to develop awareness for the consequences of his actions.

Here is a helpful article on Simple Games and Activities to Boost Your Child's Social Skills

3. Learning to be Independent

As mothers, we often just do things for our children without much thought.

We are all guilty of doing it because it makes things so much quicker, easier and reduces or avoids mess.

However, when at kindergarten, children are intentionally taught how to do things for themselves. 

Why? 

It is not because the kindergarten educators are too busy or too lazy, but because it is part of the kindergarten learning curriculum to encourage children to learn lifelong skills at an early age.

But they are only little!

We must remember that children are little people. They also have a sense of pride, are curious to try and learn new things, get excited when they achieve a new goal and like to be able to make choices that matter to them.

When children learn to be independent, they become more confident in their abilities, in the knowledge that they can do it. 

At kindergarten, they learn to look after their needs, be it personal hygiene, making choices for play, dressing, putting on their shoes, packing up or cleaning up after themselves. 

Learning to be independent teaches children to respect themselves, their belongings, and the environment that they engage in. All very important skills to be successful not only at school but in life.

Here are some examples;

-At kindergarten children are allowed to make a mess while they are learning, but they are also taught how to clean up afterwards.

- Educators help children put on shoes and clothes by showing them how to do it step by step, instead of just doing it for the children.

-Children are encouraged to eat themselves, by following teachers’ demonstration on how to hold a spoon properly.

- Children are encouraged to look after their belongings, by placing their items in their bags or their designated space, so it doesn’t get lost.

Kindergarten teachers are patient and consistent. Children are allowed to learn these skills at their own pace. Each little achievement is celebrated with shared pride. (A proud moment for both the educator and the child)

Here is an article on Essential Self-Help Skills for A Good Start at School.

Conclusion

Learning begins at home and parents will always be their children’s first teachers. 

However, it is also important to acknowledge that some skills are best learnt through trained professionals and in the right environment. 

Kindergarten will teach your child many more skills than just the 3 skills discussed here (which I will talk about more in my other posts) but these three skills are a definite pre-requisite for school.