Parents of 4-year olds may wonder, "Is my child ready for kindergarten?" A mom may questions her daughter's readiness for sitting at a desk and paying attention to a teacher. A father may be concerned that his child does not have the academic skills for kindergarten. The preschooler herself may be apprehensive about going to the "big school." Despite these valid concerns, the transition from preschool to kindergarten can be a smooth one for children and their parents. Parents should start the kindergarten discussion soon after their child's fourth birthday. Taking children to visit a kindergarten class and reading books about kindergarten can also help set the tone. Here are some tips for getting your child ready for kindergarten from the National Head Start Association:

1.        Help your child develop listening skills and increase attention. The easiest way to do this is to turn off the television and talk with your child. Television does not help a child learn listening skills. Also, slowly increase the length of stories you read to your child. Ask your child questions about the story and encourage him to make predictions about a new story.

2.        Help your child develop social skills. Join neighborhood playgroups and attend story time at the library so your child can interact with other children and adults. Model basic courtesies like "please" and "thank you." Show your child how you problem-solve by thinking out loud. For example, "Aw shucks, the park is closed, what can we doabout it? We can play at home or we can visit your cousins. What other things can you think of?" Explain to your child that there are many choices in any given situation. Also, it's never too early to teach your child how to take turns. This skill is very important in a school setting.

3.        Help your child develop self-control. Have realistic expectations of your child's abilities. Like adults, children become frustrated and angry when a task is too difficult. Gently challenge your child with more responsibilities while keeping her age and abilities in mind. It is also important to give your child the words and actionsto use when they feel angry. For example "you seem upset, do you want to talk to me about it?"

4.        Help your child develop academic skills. Teach your child to recognize basic numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. Make this task fun for your child. For example, whileshopping you can point out signs and labels, "look son, the letters K-M-A-R-T make K-Mart."

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"A PARENT ASKS"

Q: My daughter will be starting kindergarten this fall but has never spent the day without me. She already seems worried about the separation. What can I do?

A: Some nervousness, or separation anxiety, is very common for kindergarteners. Some children may cling to their parents, throw temper tantrums, experience nightmares, or have trouble sleeping

Here are some tips parents can try:

1. Express positive feelings about kindergarten. Show your child that you are happy and excited forher. If you are nervous, she may sense that and react. Talk about your ownpositive school experiences with her.

2.     Prepare your child for the school day schedule. Give general descriptions like "there will be time to sit at yourdesk, play recess outside, eat lunch, and play with toys." Giving your childan idea about the structure of kindergarten may help her feel more at ease.

3.If possible, let your child take a special object to keep in her cubby at school. It could be a family photo or a smallstuffed animal. Sometimes just knowing that the special object is in theroom is enough to keep the child calm.

4.     Avoid long goodbyes. It may be difficult for you to walk away from your child when she is in distress, but prolonging the goodbyes make it more difficult to separate. You could try a special secret handshake that signals to your child that you are leaving. Remind your child that you will be back to get her after a specific activity. For example, "I'll see you after snack this afternoon."

5.     Help your child develop pride in being a Kindergartner. Have her show you around the classroom after 

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"PARENTS WANT TO KNOW"

One of the most important things parents can do to help their children learn is to encourage a love of reading. Children don't learn to read overnight; listening comes first. Parents should read to their children daily. Even if you think your child is not paying attention, keep at it. Take your children to the library. Instead of running in and leaving quickly, hang out and read together. Most public libraries have dedicated children's areas where families are encouraged to let their children explore, with parent supervision of course. Ask the librarian for suggested reading lists. Make reading a special bonding time with your child by cuddling together and using a pleasant tone of voice while reading. Choose books that interest your child. Remember, it's ok to read the same books over and over again. Most children love repetition. Keep books and magazines in your home, along with paper and writing tools. By making reading a family activity, you are showing your child that reading is fun and useful.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)  Nutrition Program

The WIC Program provides nutrition education and supplemental foods like milk, eggs, and 100% fruit juices, as well as breastfeeding support. These services are provided to pregnant or breastfeeding women and to infants and children up to age 5. Participants need to meet an income guideline and be at nutritional risk. For more information call: Oahu (586-8175), Neighbor Islands (1-888-820-6425) or visit our website at www.hawaiiwic.com.

The Parent Line: Free statewide phone line for parents and others caring for children. Call for support, encouragement, information, and ideas about handling behavior or about community resources. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m.-1p.m. O'ahu Ph. 526-1222. Neighbor Island parents call toll-free: 1-800-816-1222.

H-KISS information line for parents of children 0-3 with special needs. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. O'ahu: 594-0066; Neighbor Island parents may call toll free: 1-800-235-5477.

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