Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten this Summer

By Tiffany Austin, MSW, LSW – June 24, 2026 –

Summer always seems to fly by. Before long, August arrives and a new school year begins. For incoming kindergarteners and their families, this milestone can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness. While children may look forward to new experiences, parents and caregivers often wonder how to best prepare them for this important transition.

The following are five ways families can help children prepare for kindergarten this summer:

1. Maintain a Regular Schedule. The school day is very structured, with set time frames for different subjects, activities and events. Adjusting to this level of routine can be challenging for some children. Establishing a consistent daily schedule at home can help children become more comfortable with routines and expectations. While a home schedule may not mirror the school day exactly, it can reinforce the idea that specific times are set aside for specific activities and responsibilities.
2. Encourage Independence. Children at this age take great pride in completing tasks on their own. Encouraging independence through everyday tasks can build self-confidence and help children feel prepared for kindergarten. Practice skills such as putting on shoes, zipping jackets, packing a backpack, and opening lunch items. Creating a simple checklist for leaving the house can also help children develop self-help skills. Tasks might include using the restroom, putting on shoes, fastening a seatbelt, and gathering belongings.
3. Read Books about Kindergarten. Reading books about starting kindergarten is a great way to prepare children for this new experience. Many books explore common feelings associated with the first day of school, including excitement, curiosity, and nervousness. These stories help children understand that their emotions are normal and shared by others. Reading together also creates opportunities for parents/caregivers to answer questions, discuss concerns, and introduce healthy coping strategies. These conversations can help ease anxiety and build confidence before school begins.
4. Focus on Social Skills. Kindergarten requires children to interact with peers, follow group expectations, and build new relationships. Providing opportunities for your child to play with others can help strengthen important social skills. Whether through playdates, family gatherings, community activities, or visits to the park, children can practice sharing, taking turns, cooperating, resolving conflicts, and using good manners. These experiences help children gain confidence in social settings and prepare them for success in the classroom.
5. Practice the School Morning Routine. A few weeks before school starts, begin practicing the morning routine your child will follow during the school year. Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to align with the school schedule. It can also be helpful to familiarize your child with the trip to school by driving the route and pointing out where they will enter the building. Practicing these routines ahead of time can reduce anxiety and help children feel more comfortable on the first day.

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and new friendships. By taking time to practice these five strategies, families can help children approach the first day with greater confidence and enthusiasm. While some nervousness is natural, preparation can make the transition smoother for both children and parents/caregivers. If you have concerns about your child’s adjustment to school, please reach out to your school’s Youth First Mental Health Professional or school counselor for support and guidance.

Tiffany Austin, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Glenwood Leadership Academy in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 55,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.