Five is such a tiny number, and “5-years-old” seems almost too tiny to be trotting off to school. Are they ready for it? Are you?
Toilet training
Yes, that’s an obvious one, and of course your preschooler is out of daytime nappies. But ask yourself…
- Can they unbutton their pants on their own?
- Are they confident to go to the toilet alone?
- Are they confident to use a toilet they are not familiar with?
- Will they remember to wash their hands?
- Do they know not to pull down their knickers/undies until they are in the cubicle and how to close the door?
- Do they know how to unlock the door once it’s locked?
Lunchbox smart
If you bought a new lunch box to celebrate the first day of school, does your 5-year-old know how to open it?
- Have you explained what to do with empty sandwich bags, apple core and the yoghurt spoon once the food is gone?
- Is your child able to open the (occasional) muesli bar and chippie packet?
- Do they know what to eat for morning tea and what to leave for lunch? (You may want to colour-code the food or mark it with stickers.)
Able and responsible
- If your 5-year-old takes off their shoes at school, do they know where to put them so that they don’t get lost? Can they fasten them on their feet again?
- Can they open and close their school bag with ease? Can they look after it?
- Can they be trusted to reapply sunscreen at lunchtime and keep their hat on? (Teachers usually monitor that, but it’s even better if your child can look after themself.)
- If there is swimming at school, does your child know the basic water safety rules? Can they change into togs, apply sun block, dry off and get dressed again?
Are you ready?
Unless you’re working full time and are used to being away from your child during the day, school may be a shock to your system. Suddenly you’re not in control. You don’t know how much water they are drinking and what games they play. You’re not the one your child runs to when they gets hurt. You’re not there when they’re not chosen for the school play. Some mums react to the semi-empty nest syndrome by going back to work, embarking on a university course or considering having another baby … sometimes all three. But today, sit back and relax. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Before you know it, it’s 3pm and the class play-date is at your house today!
