5 Must Haves for your New Kindergartener
September is here and it’s time to start thinking about what to send them off to school with. If this is your first time sending a child, you may be thinking what to buy and what not to. Kindergarten is such a fun and amazing time for children. They get to meet new friends, learn new things, and belong to a community. Sure, some may have lots of nervousness and anxieties over it, but I have grown to learn that the children get over those feelings quickly and really enjoy their new environment.
When my son started Kindergarten I read so many blogs on what to buy.Here in Canada, the weather changes all the time. I found sometimes it would be super cold in the morning, then when I picked him up from school, it was scorching hot! Other times it would be rainy, then by mid day you won’t see a cloud in the sky. The weather is unpredictable. Plan for that.
Each school will have their own variables on what is needed for their child. There are some essentials that are important no matter what school they attend. Below are 5 important MUST-HAVES before you embark on this journey.
5 Must Haves for your New Kindergartener:
Mabel Label’s- I find that these are the best quality! Kids need their stuff labelled. Especially in this time. All you to in use a marker (I use a permanent marker) to write on the writing side, the peel off the top and press the two together. You get an amazing label that is both dishwasher safe and lasts a long time. PLUS IT’S NOT PERMANENT! Genius.
A Big Backpack- Some of the stores carry cute little back packs but they won’t fit a lunch box, water bottle, change of clothes, and whatever else your child may need to bring to school. At times, bringing school work from class will be alot as well. Make sure to get a big back that your child can carry.
A water bottle- every child needs to have a reusable water bottle to help get through the day. Be sure to pick one that is easy for your child to use. If you’re child drinks alot during the day, pick a larger size one. It also needs to be sturdy enough to get bumps and bruises.
Something from home- This item is something that is small but means alot to your child. They may not be able to bring a stuffed toy or blankie, but possibly photo of yourself or a loved pet will just get them through the day when they miss home. (Learned this trick from his teacher)
Two of everything!- When I saw two of everything this is my list: (Two pairs of shoes (indoor and outdoor), two hats (one will surely get lost), two water bottles (again one will surely get lost), different layered jackets (light, for rain, thicker type sweater).
Just some added advice when shopping for your child, be sure to think about if that can zip up their pants, tie their shoes, etc… Teachers are not allowed to help your child get dressed if they have an accident and teachers don’t have the time to tie 30 pairs of shoes a day. There are many easy alternatives to clothing that will help. Find elastic band waists for pants. Replace shoe laces with spiral shoe laces that they don’t have to tie. If buttons are a little difficult right now, try a zippered sweater instead.
What other moms are saying:
“Bento boxes for lunch and snack. We used Yumbox. Then little hands can open and close everything on their own. My little guy was so shy that he wouldn’t ask for help.”
“Backpack. Water bottle indoor shoes. Velcor easy to put on and off Labels. Double everything incase something goes missing. Especially in winter time because everything gets wet”
There you have it!!
Hope you enjoyed this blog. It is truly a special time for you both and I hope you all the best on this adventure! Tell us what you are looking forward to and how you are coping with all the anxieties in the comments below.
