Tips for Starting Kindergarten: A Guide for Parents

In a rush? Here's a quick rundown.

• Have open conversations about what to expect — acknowledge your child's feelings and focus on the positive aspects of starting school.

• Establish a goodbye routine before the first day — always say goodbye properly, and ask the teacher for help if you're struggling to leave.

• Set up clear routines the night before and morning of school — lay out uniforms, prep food, and use picture charts to help children follow steps independently.

• Celebrate the milestone! Mark the first day in a special way, take photos, and check in with your child about their experience afterwards.

The first day of kindergarten is a huge milestone for you and your child. Transitioning from early childhood education can feel both daunting and exciting. Your child might be nervous about new environments, people, and rules. As a parent, you might be worried about whether your child is ready for "big school."

Starting kindergarten means the whole family adapts to new routines. This guide provides practical tips for starting kindergarten, including how to help with first-day nerves.

Have Open Conversations

Preparation in the lead-up to the first day is crucial. Talking to your child about what they can expect helps them understand change and feel ready to start.

Consider their point of view — they might feel anxious, shy, or excited. It's important to acknowledge and validate their perspective.

Ways to prepare through conversation:

• Focus on the positive aspects of starting school to boost their confidence

• Read books about starting school together — libraries have plenty of great options

• Familiarise them with their new school by driving past it

• Answer their questions honestly and simply

  
  

Planning the Drop-Off

Being dropped off at school on the first day can be challenging for children. Establishing a goodbye routine will go a long way to avoiding teary goodbyes and ensuring smooth drop-offs.

Tips for successful drop-offs:

• Talk to your child before the first day about who will drop them off and pick them up

• Stay to help your child settle if needed, but discuss this with the kindergarten teacher beforehand

• If you're struggling to leave, ask the teacher for help — they're experienced in handling first-day jitters

• Always say goodbye to your child — leaving without a proper farewell can cause distress and mistrust

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Consistency helps ease anxiety. Setting clear routines is crucial to making your child's transition smooth and stress-free.

A calm, confident goodbye sets the tone for a positive day

Setting Clear Routines

Preparing new routines will help your family adjust to your child's new kindergarten schedule.

Before Kindergarten Starts

• Support your child's independence — ideally, they can use the bathroom, wash their hands, and dress themselves

• Put their names on clothes and belongings they'll take to school

• Help them learn to recognise their name so they can identify their belongings

  
  

The Night Before

• Lay out your child's uniform, socks, and shoes

• Prep school food and pop it in the fridge — pack food that's easy to eat and not too messy

• Get your child to help pack their bag

• Include a spare change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in case of toilet accidents

  
  

Morning Routine

• Display a picture chart with the steps for getting ready in the morning

• Serve a healthy breakfast to help your child concentrate and regulate their mood at school

• Encourage them to dress themselves

• Don't forget hat and sunscreen!

  
  

Morning routines build independence and confidence

Pick-Up Time

• Be on time to pick them up

• In the first few weeks, the teacher will likely wait with the class at a central spot — confirm the location beforehand

• If you're running late, notify the teacher

• Use pick-up as an opportunity to ask how their day went — what happened? How do they feel?

  
  

Keeping your child's home routines, such as bath time, meals, and playtime, as consistent as possible helps them stay regulated during the school term.

What Time Should Kindergarteners Go to Bed?

Children can get tired after full days at kindergarten because they're doing many new things. Practice sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule in the weeks leading up to their first term. This will reduce the chance of your child coming home cranky after school.

At this age, children need 10-12 hours of sleep. If your child needs to wake up at 7am for school, they should be in bed between 7pm and 9pm.

Tips for better sleep:

• Reduce screen time in the evening

• Read a story in bed half an hour before sleep time

• Keep the bedtime routine consistent

  
  

Celebrate the First Day!

Find fun ways to celebrate to help your child feel excited about this milestone. Mark the first day of school in a special way that works for your family.

Ideas to celebrate:

• Etch their height on a wall at home

• Treat them to a special breakfast

• Take photos to capture the moment

• Let them choose a small celebration activity

  
  

Check in with them after their first day. Ask questions like "What was the best part of your day?" and "What did you learn?" Communicating with relaxed body language and facial expressions can help your child feel more willing to share.

Checking in after school opens up meaningful conversations

Preparing Parents and Guardians

The first day is an emotional day for you too. Connecting with other parents who have been through the same experience can help you feel understood and supported during this transition.

Ways to connect and prepare:

• Ask the school if parent groups are on social media

• Get involved in school life through a Parent & Citizens (P&C) organisation

• Check the school website for helpful resources regarding enrolment and key term dates

• If you have questions or concerns, contact the school office before term starts

• Once your child starts, the teacher is the best person to talk to about their progress

  
  

How Early Childhood Education Supports School Readiness

Quality early childhood education plays a vital role in preparing children for kindergarten. Children develop social skills like sharing, build friendships, and gain independence — all of which help them feel confident and ready for the transition.

A Transition to School Statement provides a snapshot of your child's interests, strengths, and learning preferences. Early learning centres provide this statement, which you can share with your child's school before they start.

FAQ

How can I help my child feel less anxious about starting kindergarten?

Have open conversations about what to expect, focusing on the positive aspects. Read books about starting school together, drive past the school to familiarise them with it, and validate their feelings — it's okay to feel nervous and excited at the same time.

Should I stay at drop-off or leave quickly?

Establish a goodbye routine before the first day. A confident, brief goodbye is usually best — lingering can increase anxiety. Always say goodbye properly (never sneak away), and ask the teacher for help if you're struggling to leave.

What time should my kindergartener go to bed?

Children this age need 10-12 hours of sleep. If they need to wake at 7am for school, aim for bedtime between 7pm and 9pm. Establish a consistent bedtime routine in the weeks leading up to school starting.

What should I pack in my child's school bag?

Pack easy-to-eat food that isn't too messy, a water bottle, a hat, and a spare change of clothes (including underwear and socks) in case of accidents. Make sure everything is labelled with your child's name.

What is a Transition to School Statement?

It's a document prepared by your child's early learning centre that provides a snapshot of their interests, strengths, and learning preferences. You can share this with your child's new school to help teachers understand and support your child from day one.

See How We Prepare Children for School

Book a tour and discover how The Green Elephant builds the independence, social skills, and confidence your child needs for a smooth transition to kindergarten.

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