Kindergarten Prep: Mastering Self-Care Skills for Little Ones

Apr 22

I get asked by lots of parents — "Is my child ready for kindergarten?” And I completely understand the concern. Starting kindergarten marks a big moment for your little one, and as a parent, you're right there, experiencing this exciting part of their early childhood learning.

Let's dive into the nitty—gritty. Check in with your preschooler and yourself and ask:

“Does my child know how to do these things most of the time?”

“Can they learn these new skills before kindergarten kicks off?”

Self—Care Skills

Can your little one dress themselves?

👉 Nailing buttons, zippers, and putting on their own coat – these are the skills that shout, "I'm ready for kindergarten!"

Is your child able to use the bathroom independently?

👉 Being able to be self—sufficient in the bathroom is expected of kindergarteners. Your child should be able to take care of going to the bathroom on their own.

💡Practice going to the bathroom, washing hands, and zipping and buttoning pants independently.

💡Don't forget to mix it up! While practicing at home is fantastic, try getting your child used to using the bathroom in different places like a family member's house or a restaurant. It'll help them feel confident wherever they go!

How’s your child doing with eating?

👉 Opening snacks and handling lunch bags are important skills for the school day. Your child can always ask for help, but being mostly independent? That's the confidence boost they need for their daily routine.

👉 Plus, their teacher or lunch room monitor will appreciate it AND your child won't have to wait to get right into lunch.

💡 Have a practice lunch at home a few times with their lunch box! Give them time to open containers, unwrap snacks and clean their space when they’re done.

💡 Practice using utensils. If your child will be bringing a fork or a spoon to school, practice using them at home during meal times. This will help them feel comfortable and confident.

💡 Try having lunch in different settings so the cafeteria isn’t the first time your child is eating in a new place. Take it outside to a park, go to a restaurant, or head to a friend's place. Getting your child used to eating in a few new places helps them feel comfortable being social while enjoying their food.

Let me share with you the heart of what really counts for your child to be set for kindergarten. Check out the next blog post in this series.

For more tips and insights to nurture lifelong learners, hop over to my Instagram page.

And, don't forget to explore episodes on the podcast, Play On Words, where you’ll hear more about making learning fun and accessible for all.

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I’m the founder of BCR, host of the Play on Words podcast, a consultant for the Chicago Public Library, and more! On the blog, I regularly share my tips, insights, and knowledge on early literacy.