Dear time, please slow down! Just for a little while longer. She’s my little girl and now she is on her way to becoming a little lady. When did she become a kindergartner? What can I do to help her have a smooth transition? 

Here are 12 ways to help our children progress from preschool to kindergarten. 

They tell you time flies.

They warn you to not blink.

They say to enjoy them while they’re young.

Naturally you trust these must be wise words you should closely adhere to, but inevitably life happens. When your children are young, these days can be filled with the chaos. It is easy to forget how lucky you are. But then it happens–you stop and breathe. Your blessings become evident to you once again.

You cherish the moment.

You get it.

You are present.

Preschool is supposed to prepare both your little one and you for the next step. Fortunately, we eased into part-time preschool (for three years). Perhaps deciding to wait another year for kindergarten was as much for her benefit as it was for my own. (I admit it–I want to keep her my little girl forever). Now we move forward and put our big girl pants on (in her case, an adorable little uniform). Kindergarten will be the first time we are separated from one another. There are no words to describe how that makes me feel; I can also sense her trepidation. My little girl is growing up. We are definitely hitting a milestone, and I am well aware it’s one of many to come.

What can I do to make this milestone a positive one for her?

• Know her love language.
• Tell her how much I love her and make sure she feels that love.
• Make special notes for her lunch so she knows I am thinking of her. 
• Give her the biggest hug and kiss when I pick her up from school.
• Spend time together as just the two of us! 

Time, I know you will not slow down and make an exception for me. Now I must be aware more than ever. I will not let you take her from me. I know what I must do. I will walk through life with her and discover new wonders through her eyes and we will grow together. I am her mother and it is my duty to help her navigate through her journey. Kindergarten is the first big leap. This is just the beginning!

Today is the first day of school for many Seacoast families. How will you leap into the big world of kindergarten and all of the school years to follow?