Preparing Kids for Preschool or Kindergarten

🎒 Preparing Kids for Preschool or Kindergarten: Kyrie’s Story

Starting school for the first time is a big moment—for both kids and parents. My daughter Kyrie is heading into her very first year of school this fall. She’s never been to daycare, so this is her first real time away from home, her family, and our everyday rhythm. And as excited as we are, it comes with big feelings—for both of us.

If you’re in the same boat, here are a few things I’ve been doing with Kyrie (and plan to keep doing) to help her feel more confident, secure, and ready for the classroom:

🗣️ 1. Talk About What to Expect

We’ve been having open, simple conversations about what school will be like—what her classroom might look like, how the day will start, that she’ll have teachers and classmates, and that Mommy will be back to pick her up.

Tip: Picture books about the first day of school help take the mystery out of it. We read them at bedtime and let Kyrie ask questions or point things out.

📅 2. Create a Predictable Routine

Because she’s used to being at home, we’ve started waking up earlier and building a morning routine similar to what school mornings will feel like: brushing teeth, doing her hair, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and heading out—even if it’s just to the store.

Tip: We use our ShampooTime Mat and KurlSense products the night before to prep her hair. This makes mornings easier and gives us more time to cuddle, affirm, and encourage.

👧🏽 3. Practice Independence in Small Ways

Since she’s never had to pack a bag or follow group instructions, we’re letting her take the lead on little things: packing her lunchbox, choosing her outfit, cleaning up toys—so she starts feeling capable and proud of her own effort.

Tip: We made a visual morning routine chart together that she can check off herself. It gives her a sense of structure and independence.

🧠 4. Name the Feelings (and Normalize Them)

We talk about how it’s okay to be excited and nervous. We tell her that Mommy sometimes feels nervous too when doing something new—but that new things help us grow strong and brave.

Tip: We use affirmations like, “I am ready. I am brave. I can do hard things.” We say them while brushing her hair or in the car ride to preschool practice days.

💜 Final Thoughts

If your little one is heading off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time—especially without daycare experience—just know you’re not alone. It’s a transition for the whole family. But with love, patience, and a little planning, it can also be the start of something beautiful.

Watching Kyrie take this next step is emotional, exciting, and powerful—and I’m so proud of her already.