Am I Ready for Kindergarten?

Do you wonder if your child is really ready for Kindergarten?
If you are like most mom's with an older 4 or 5 year old you have probably asked yourself that question. Nothing can make your stomach turn like the feeling of sending your little lamb out to the wolves in "big school".

Usually, it is more the mom not being ready for their child to move on up rather than the child not being ready. But just in case, here are some readiness signs you should be looking for in your future Kindergartner.

Enthusiasm Toward Learning
Solid Oral-Language Skills
The Ability to Listen
The Desire to Be Independent
The Ability to Play Well with Others
Strong Fine-Motor Skills
Basic Letter and Number Recognition

Your kiddo doesn't need to be a whiz in each of these areas to be ready for the big "K". If you know your child is struggling in one of these areas, let your child's teacher know. They will be able to provide activities that will help your child develop in the areas they need to grow in. If your child is able to clearly express his or her wants and needs verbally and can play and interact socially with other children then they are set to have great success in Kindergarten.

Preschools and Mom's Day Out programs are great precursors to Kindergarten. These type of programs help your child develop in each of the above areas. Children are social creatures and they need to learn how to play and interact with other children their age. All of the things listed above can be incorporated through great curriculum, play and other fun activities in early education programs that will further boost your child's readiness for Kindergarten.

Remember - YOU are the expert when it comes to your child. No one knows them better than you! Don't let friends, acquaintences or teachers be the final say-so on any decision regarding your child. If you really feel that they aren't ready then by all means wait one more year! Take into account information from all concerned parties and make the decision that suits your child best and then relax knowing you did the right thing!

For more info about Kindergarten Readiness see the links to the right.