The first day of Kindergarten is a major milestone for parents and children alike. Nerves, excitement, and nostalgia are par for the course as the transition from preschool to elementary school is a new chapter for the entire family. Here are your modern and mom-approved “survival tips” to navigate this unforgettable day with grace.
First Day of Kindergarten Tips for Parents
When I first wrote this post in 2019, Annabelle was a few days shy of her first day of Kindergarten. Brandon and I were having a hard time holding back the emotions that come along with sending your first born off into the big world. I added to the post as Ailey was about to enter Kindergarten and the same anxious and sad feelings were creeping into my heart. To help cope, I re-read how to survive the first day of kindergarten tips!
Give yourself some grace and celebrate the milestone.
Before I introduce any survival tips for the first day of Kindergarten, give yourself a hug. Give your spouse a hug. Then pat yourselves on the back and say, “We are great parents.” The official entrance to elementary school is a BIG deal! All parents should feel pride and joy for getting their little ones safely to this milestone!
Remember: Anticipation and the unknown are two of the worst sources for anxiety. If this is your first ‘first day of Kindergarten’ it is no wonder you feel so nervous and sad! The feelings are normal – and will go away once it is all over. I promise!
Quick Drop Off Makes It Easier
One of the most important first day of kindergarten survival tips for parents is to avoid lingering at the school. Just like ripping off a bandaid, dropping off quickly brings on the least amount of pain. The more time you spend with your child outside of the school or in her classroom, the more time you will have to be sentimental.
Let Yourself Cry (and why that’s normal)
Crying is natural, especially when you’re a Mom watching your child hit a new milestone. It’s hard to let go of your first born (or any child) to send them off into the world. Many parents will cry before, during, and after drop off on the first day of Kindergarten, just as you will when she goes off to college someday.
Connect with Other Kindergarten Parents
One of the most common tips from my followers for surviving the first day of school is to meet up with other parents after drop off. There is strength in numbers, especially when everyone is feeling the same melancholy sadness.
Find more Kindergarten tips here
Write Down Your Feelings
Writing is therapeutic when you’re overcome with mixed emotions. The first day of school makes me sad, excited, anxious and happy all at once. I found an empty journal to start recording my feelings about motherhood in on a personal level. I also wrote my daughter a letter for her first day of school! Jot down some thoughts on a piece of paper and put them in your child’s baby book. Or burn it. Just put pen to paper and release what’s inside.
Plan a Treat for Yourself After Drop-Off
The final survival tip for the first day of Kindergarten is to keep busy until your child comes home. Many parents go to work, but some may be home with a younger sibling (or even home alone). If you can, go to your favorite coffee shop for a post drop-off treat or take a power walk to boost your endorphins. Where ever you go after school drop off, make sure to do something to distract you from wondering how your child is doing at school.
Remember You’re Not Alone
One of the best tips I can give parents who are sad or scared about sending their child to Kindergarten is to remember we have all done it too. Kindergarten is the first step on a long (but seemingly short) staircase to bigger and better things. Most children flourish in elementary school – from the routines to the enrichment to the education and friendships just waiting to be made. All parents survive the first day of Kindergarten and you will too!
Coping with Kindergarten Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common on the first day of kindergarten—for kids and parents. Try these kindergarten drop-off tips to make the morning smoother:
- Create a goodbye ritual – a quick hug, high-five, or phrase that’s just yours.
- Keep drop-off short – the longer you linger, the harder it feels for both of you.
- Show confidence – kids take cues from your calm, upbeat attitude.
- Trust the teacher – they’re pros at helping children settle in on day one.
- Plan something for yourself – coffee, a walk, or a small errand to ease the waiting game.
With time, those nervous tears will shift into excitement—and these first day of kindergarten survival tips will help both of you adjust. Want more back-to-school prep ideas? Here are my favorite back-to-school routines and adjusting to the new school year tips to make mornings less stressful.
Bonus: Kindergarten Survival Tips for Parents in 2025
- Mindful morning moment – snuggles/deep breaths, morning affirmations
- Snap a photo – it doesn’t have to be fancy with a sign or flag, just a first day of school photo keepsake
- Send a check-in message later if school allows
- Make time to sit down with your child for a post-school snack and chat session
Final Thoughts about the First Day of Kindergarten
The first day of kindergarten is a monumental milestone—for both your child and you. It’s completely normal to experience a mix of emotions, from excitement to a touch of sadness. By following these first day of kindergarten survival tips, you can navigate this transition with confidence and grace.
As your child embarks on this new journey, it’s a reminder that milestones like the bittersweet goodbye to elementary school are just around the corner. Embrace each moment, knowing that each step is part of their growth and development.
For smoother mornings and a more organized start to the school day, consider exploring my school morning routine tips and back-to-school preparation strategies. These resources offer practical advice to help both you and your child adjust to the new routine.
And if you’re seeking more insights on motherhood and parenting, visit my Mom Life + Parenting Advice category page. It’s filled with relatable experiences and helpful tips to support you on this parenting journey.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Every parent walks this path. <3
What GREAT tips for parents with kids making milestone changes! I can visualize this for Middle School and high School, too. We even had some anxiety in Sunday School at age 2! I was the “lingerer”. I should have done drop, quick glance for safety and be out of sight! It definitely makes it worse to linger!
Thank you for sharing this.