Kindergarten is a new and wonderful experience for many children, however it can be a little overwhelming especially for those children who have not attended preschool.  One of the easist ways to make your child feel secure and ready to go to kindergarten is establishing a routine in your home.  By creating a routine your child knows what to expect when he/she steps on and off the bus.  Here are a few helpful ideas for establishing this routine the first few weeks of school.

Bedtime

• Make a bedtime routine that works for your needs and one that you can stick to easily. 
• Create a set bedtime.  MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS IN BED BY THIS TIME.  You know your child best.  If he/she needs alot of sleep make sure you allow for this time through the night.
• Include bath time and stories in your routines.  This allows you and your child to relax a little together at the end of the day.
• Pick out clothes and stick to it.  This saves on time and further "heated" discussions.
• Pack the backpack and place it by the door.  All the things your child will need for school will be ready to "grab and go.

Wake-Up

• Create a routine with getting dressed and breakfast if your child does not eat at school. 
• Set clear expectations for what you will help your child with in the getting ready process and what he/she needs to do by him/hersel

Homework

• Establish a time every night when you sit down with your child and look through the backpack and complete any assisngments.
• This time can be after your child's after school snack or dinner. 
• Please avoid doing homework before bed.  This can be a way your child tries to stay up later that you want. 

I hope your first few weeks with your kindergartener are great and these tips assist in you and your child making the transistion to kindergarten.