Building confidence for starting kindy: A guide for parents

Starting kindy is an exciting milestone for both children and parents. In the months leading up to that first day, there are many simple, joyful ways you can help your child build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their new learning environment.

Why early preparation matters

Kindy is a wonderful time for your child to develop the social and emotional skills that will help them build friendships, navigate new experiences, and feel confident in their learning journey. The good news? You can start nurturing these skills at home right now, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Building independence skills
Practicing everyday tasks helps children feel capable and confident. In the months before kindy starts, try:

• Lunchbox mastery: Let your child practice opening containers, unwrapping snacks, and using utensils independently
• Self-care routines: Encourage them to wash their hands, put on their shoes, and zip their backpack
• Morning routines: Establish a consistent pattern of getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing their bag so the rhythm feels familiar
• Celebrate small wins: Each time they master a new skill, acknowledge their achievement with enthusiasm

Nurturing social and emotional skills
These skills form the foundation for positive relationships and emotional wellbeing:

• Name those feelings: Ask "How does that make you feel?" and validate their emotions, helping them develop emotional awareness and vocabulary
• Practice sharing and turn-taking: Use simple games and everyday activities to build patience and cooperation
• Model kindness: Practice using words like "please," "thank you," and "can I have a turn?" until they become natural
• Build empathy: Talk about how friends or book characters might be feeling to help your child understand others' emotions
• Encourage problem-solving: When challenges arise, ask "What could we do?" to empower them to think through solutions
• Praise the effort: Focus on persistence and trying rather than just outcomes, building resilience for new experiences

Reducing separation anxiety
Saying goodbye can be difficult, but these strategies can help ease the transition:

• Practice goodbye routines: Create a special hug, wave, or phrase you'll use each morning, then practice it at home
• Read kindy stories together: Books about starting school help children visualise their day in a positive way
• Visit beforehand: If possible, explore the kindy together so the environment feels familiar and welcoming
• Talk about the reunion: Remind your child that you'll always come back, and discuss what you'll do together after kindy
• Keep goodbyes brief and positive: Long, emotional farewells can increase anxiety - a warm hug and confident "See you soon!" works best
• Trust the teachers: Your child's educators are experienced in supporting children through this transition

Building social confidence
Help your child feel comfortable in group settings:

• Arrange playdates: Spending time with other children helps them practice social skills in a comfortable environment
• Visit playgrounds: Local parks provide opportunities to play alongside peers and navigate shared spaces
• Talk excitedly about kindy: Share what they'll experience - new friends, fun activities, outdoor play, and learning adventures
• Read social stories: Books about friendship, sharing, and kindness reinforce positive social behaviours

Remember: Every child settles at their own pace

It's important to remember that every child is unique, and there's no "right" timeline for settling into kindy. Some children skip through the gates on day one, while others need a few weeks to feel fully comfortable. Both experiences are completely normal.

Your child's teachers understand this and will work with you to support your child's individual needs. They've guided countless children through this transition and know that patience, consistency, and understanding help every child find their confidence in their own time.

Some children may have teary mornings for the first week, others might take a little longer - and that's ok. What matters is that you and your child's educators work together to provide reassurance, maintain routines, and celebrate small steps forward.

The week before kindy starts
As the first day approaches:

• Talk positively about what's ahead without putting pressure on your child
• Ensure they're well-rested and maintaining regular mealtimes
• Pack their bag together
• Label everything clearly so belongings can be easily identified
• Prepare yourself emotionally too - your calm, confident energy helps your child feel secure

You've got this!

Starting kindy is a significant step, but you're not taking it alone. Your child's teachers, the C&K community, and other parents are all part of this journey. Trust in your child's ability to adapt, celebrate their courage in trying new things, and remember that with your support and their educators' guidance, they'll flourish in their own perfect time.

The skills you're building now - independence, emotional awareness, social confidence, and resilience - will serve your child not just in kindy, but throughout their entire learning journey. We are so happy to be along for this exciting journey!