As my oldest goes into pre-k, in a formal school, it’s a big transition to how we approach our family’s relationship to the teachers, administrators, and the school as an institution. It’s clear that the other parents are also in the same boat, with some unspoken undercurrent of competitiveness that I don’t personally want to participate in.
Parents of older kids, what do you think other parents should know as their kids transition into elementary school?
Children in elementary school will get sick a lot especially if they are thumb suckers and don’t frequently wash their hands. As parents, all we did was encourage them read and understand what they are reading. We, also, encouraged them to talk about their feelings as much as possible. Surprisingly, without putting any pressure on them, they both found their way into the gifted and talented program where they remain. Our two sons are far ahead of their peers in almost every aspect.