Five is such a tiny number, and “5-years-old” seems almost too little to be trotting off to school. Are they ready for it? Are you?
Toilet Training Independence
Yes, this is an obvious one, and of course, your preschooler is out of daytime nappies. But beyond that:
- Can they unbutton and button their jeans on their own?
- Are they confident using a toilet independently, even one they are unfamiliar with?
- Do they remember to wash their hands every time?
- Do they know to pull their pants down only once they are in the cubicle and how to close and lock the door?
- Can they unlock the cubicle door when they’re finished?
Lunchbox Smarts
Lunchtime can be surprisingly tricky for a little one starting school! Help them get lunch-ready by checking:
- Can they open their lunchbox without help?
- Do they know where to put empty sandwich bags, wrappers, and their yoghurt spoon?
- Can they open a muesli bar or chippie packet on their own?
- Do they know what to eat for morning tea and what to save for lunch? (Consider using stickers or colour-coding their food.)
Safety and Problem-Solving
Your child is about to navigate a new world without you by their side. Have you talked to them about what to do if:
- You are late picking them up?
- They fall and scrape their knee?
- They see someone else at school get hurt?
- Someone says something mean to them or a friend?
- Their usual playmate is sick, and they have to make new friends?
- You forget to pack their lunch?
- A stranger tells them, “Your mum’s had an accident, and she asked me to drive you home”?
- A friend suggests leaving the school grounds together at lunchtime?
Able and Responsible
- If your child takes off their shoes, do they know where to put them so they don’t get lost? Can they put them back on?
- Can they open and close their school bag easily?
- Will they remember to reapply sunscreen at lunchtime and keep their hat on? (Teachers usually monitor this, but it helps if your child takes responsibility too.)
- If their school has swimming lessons, do they understand basic water safety? Can they change into their togs, apply sunscreen, dry themselves, and get dressed again?
Are You Ready?
Even parents need to prepare for this big milestone. If you’re not used to being apart from your child during the day, school can be a shock to your system too. Suddenly, you’re not in control. You don’t know how much water they’re drinking, what games they’re playing, or who they’re talking to. You’re not there when they get hurt or left out of a game.
Some parents react to this semi-empty nest syndrome by returning to work, starting a new project, or even considering having another baby! But before making big decisions, take a breath and enjoy the peace and quiet. And remember, school pick-up time will come around faster than you think—especially when today’s playdate is suddenly at your house!
Preparing your child for school is about more than just learning their ABCs. Confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills are just as important in helping them thrive in their first school year. So take the time to go through these practical steps, and before you know it, they’ll be running through the school gates, excited for the adventure ahead!
Yvonne Eve Walus is an Auckland mother of two primary school children. She finds the school hours blissfully silent and – at the same time – oddly empty.
