It is important to feel needed and know we’re making a contribution. Each person in the family has a different role to play. Chores at home give a child a sense of worth and belonging. Doing chores around the house help children learn to place other’s needs above our own. When you look at Jesus, you see the perfect picture of someone who came to serve. Read Philippians 2:3-11 together and talk about how Jesus is a servant. Children at the age of 4 and 5 are perfectly capable of helping around the house. Maybe you have already given your child some chores around the house, but if not, this is a great time to do so.
There are a few things to remember when it comes to setting your child up for successful independence at home with chores:
See the resources section to find ways to help celebrate the transition of your preschooler to Kindergarten.
As parents, we have the opportunity to set our children up for success with their friendships by helping them to be independent in social situations. The Bible gives us wisdom on how to help our children choose friends. Read Proverbs 13:20 together which says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” As you talk with your child about choosing friends ask them, “Does _________ make wise choices?” Your child may not be able to decipher if a person is wise, but they’ll know whether or not that person makes wise choices.
We also want our child to be a good friend to others. Read John 15:12-17 together. Jesus says here that a good friend loves and is willing to lay down his life for another (putting the needs of another above our own). Remind your children to choose friends well and choose to be a good friend. Start early to set them up for success with their friendships.
What types of activities can your child do on their own?
These are good questions to ask when assessing whether or not our child is ready for kindergarten. Check with your child’s school for a list of Kindergarten requirements prior to enrolling them.
Teaching them to tie their shoes may take a while, but reminding them to keep going and not give up is a large part of growing up and being independent. Perseverance is important to help your child learn to do things on their own. Modeling a positive attitude shows children that they can keep going and eventually, succeed! Read Colossians 3:23-24 together which says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” Take some time to evaluate what activities your child needs to practice and work together for success in these areas!
Here are ways to celebrate your pre-Kindergarten child as their first day of school approaches! Pick activities that interest your child. Make them feel special by creating a day full of different things to get them excited about starting school!
Idea #1: Celebrate the independence of your preschooler by letting him/her know she is ready for kindergarten with a gift he/she can use at school.
Idea #2: Another way to make this moment special is to have family and friends text a video message to your child. You can collect all these on your phone and share them on their first day or when you present them with their school gift. The video message can include a kindergarten memory from that person or encouragement to your child as they get ready to enter kindergarten. You can send your friends and family an email/text saying,
“To honor _____________ as he/she gets ready for kindergarten will you take a minute to send him/her a video of you telling a story from your kindergarten year OR a video encouraging him/her as he/ she gets ready for kindergarten? We are so excited about this milestone in their life and would love for you to celebrate with us!”
If these videos are texted to you, you can show them to your child from your phone. If emailed, you can put them all together in a file on your computer to show your child. These videos will provide great encouragement as your child gets ready for this journey toward independence.
Other ideas for fun activities to utilize: