Kindy begins! Let's play.

The first day of kindy is finally here, an exciting milestone filled with new faces, discoveries, and adventures! We’re here to let you know it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, and it’s normal for there to be some ups and downs during the first few weeks.

Understanding the settling-in period

It's completely normal for children to experience a range of emotions during their first week. Here's what you might see:

Day one excitement: Many children are happy and curious on the first day, eager to explore their new environment.

The reality check: By day two or three, some children realise this is their new routine and may become tearful or resistant. This is normal and temporary.

Different timelines: Some children settle immediately, while others need several weeks. Both experiences are perfectly normal, and your child's teachers understand this completely.

Ups and downs: Your child might have a great morning and a difficult afternoon, or vice versa. Emotions can fluctuate as they adjust.

Supporting your child through the transition

Maintain routines: Consistent wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes help children feel secure during periods of change.

Ask open-ended questions: Instead of "Did you have fun?" try "What did you play with today?" or "Who did you sit with at lunch?" This encourages more detailed sharing.

Listen without pressure: If your child doesn't want to talk about kindy immediately, that's okay. Some children need processing time before they're ready to share.

Acknowledge feelings: If your child expresses worry or sadness, validate their emotions: "It's okay to feel nervous about new things. That shows you're brave for trying."

Celebrate small wins: "You made a new friend!" or “You were brave when you waved me goodbye today!”. These acknowledgements build confidence.

Stay consistent: Even if mornings are difficult, maintaining the routine shows your child that kindy is a safe, normal part of their life.

Connecting with your child's teachers

Your child's educators are your partners in this journey.

Share important information: Let teachers know about your child's interests, fears, dietary needs, or anything that might help them provide better support.

Ask questions: Teachers welcome your questions about how your child is settling in, what they're learning, and how you can support them at home.

Trust their expertise: Teachers have guided countless children through this transition and understand that every child settles at their own pace.

Communicate concerns: If you're worried about something, speak up. Early communication helps address issues before they become bigger problems.

Be patient with yourself: This is a transition for you too, and it's okay to have your own feelings about it.

What the kindy team are doing to help

Behind the scenes, your child's teachers are:

• Creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels valued
• Establishing predictable routines that help children feel secure
• Offering choices to give children a sense of control
• Redirecting attention when children are upset, engaging them in activities they enjoy
• Building individual relationships with each child, learning their personalities and preferences
• Communicating regularly with families about their child's progress and experiences
• Watching for signs that a child needs extra support or comfort

Common first week challenges and solutions

"My child cries at drop-off": This is very common and usually resolves within minutes after you leave. Teachers will update you if tears persist.

"My child is exhausted": Kindy is physically and emotionally demanding. Ensure early bedtimes and quiet downtime after pick-up.

"My child won't talk about their day": Some children need time to decompress. Try asking specific questions later, or let them share when they're ready.

"My child says they don't want to go back": This is normal during the adjustment period. Stay positive, maintain the routine, and work with teachers to understand what's happening.

When to seek extra support

While most children settle within a few weeks, please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.