A Madison Parent's Guide To The First Day Of School

As I watch my daughter get ready to go back to college, I think my heart might burst. I'm sad to see her leave again after a great summer, but am so proud of her hard work over the summer and excited about the upcoming school year. 

I remind myself not to let her know how sad I am that she's leaving. And that reminds me of a day in September 1998 when she trudged down our little unpaved Flower Avenue to West Wharf, where the school bus would pick her up, for the very first time, to take her to Mrs. Stewart's Island Avenue School afternoon kindergarten class. With her pretty dress, her ankle socks and white shoes, and her Madeline backpack slung over her shoulder like a school-going pro, my daughter was ready. And I was not. 

What to do if that happens to you? 

Here are some tips from Madison Patch readers on dealing with the first day of kindergarten. They apply equally well to parents of children going off to a new school. And even, for some parents (like me, who never quite get over it) of kids who are returning to school.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! Feel free to add yours in the comment section below. And be sure to check our Madison Patch Back To School section for all the latest information to get you and yours ready for the first day of school in Madison on Wednesday, August 28th. 

And, now, for the advice from our Madison Patch readers: 

Connie Packard Kamedulski, who was a former PTA Bus Safety Coordinator for the town of Wilton, says, "Be confident. Begin with the new normal routine. If your child will ride the bus, put them on the bus the very first day. There are extra helpers on the buses and at the schools on the first days to help the kids get with the program! Take advantage of any pre first day open houses or meet the teacher days. If you can't, then try to explore the school and grounds over the summer. The more familiar everything is the better!"

Jane T Brodbar says, "Be excited - be happy ~ kids pick up on all of our emotions and often navigate by them. If the parents are excited, chances are the child will be, too. Special b'fast, pictures, lots of smiles and laughs - also maybe lining up a bus-buddy - that helps calms everyone's nerves."

Susan McDevitt says, "The week before... on a strong cord, let them build their own necklace with beads and in the middle... Add a laminate family photo. On the other side of that pic have a photo of the child with his/ her favorite thing. It works like a charm! Craft stores have camo colored beads boys like!"

Tyra Swan Stokes says, "Write them a letter after you have dropped them off at their first day of kindergarten telling them all your hopes and wishes for them and how your feeling on that day and seal it up save it and give it to them on the day they graduate high school =) Awesome!"

Ann Gilbert Norton recommends, "stay positive and don't show too much anxiety...the child will pick up on that, and will spend his or her day in school worrying about YOU."

Karen Lucibello Daigle says, "Don't be offended when someone tells your child to follow certain directions - someone else eventually will have to tell them what to do....and enhance your life with any free time you may receive  ~ stay positive in front of the children always."

Madison mom Beth Crowley, who also is the director of the Scranton Memorial Library, says, "Read a book like The Night Before Kindergarten to get them thinking about all the fun times ahead! I also gave my kids a small special stone that they knew was mine so they could keep it tucked in a pocket and squeeze it if they got nervous or missed me."

Is it OK to cry? Catherine McIntyre-velky says yes. Jane Broadbar agrees, but also recommended waiting until the child is on his or her way. Beth Crowley also says it's OK to cry, "Even for Dads!" 

Georgeanne Barnes Keirstead says, "Just focus on the day at hand and remind about attentiveness, manners, and mostly to enjoy the day! And welcome to the world of going to school! It'll be so much fun!"