How to Support Your Child’s Success in Kindergarten: Simple Tips for Parents

By Kellie Smith | Little Learning Table

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and parents play a crucial role in helping their child feel confident and ready for the adventure. While every child is unique, there are a few key things parents can do at home that can really set their child up for success. Here’s a list of some helpful ways to support your child’s growth as they begin their kindergarten journey.

1. Work Together with Your Child’s Teacher

Children thrive when their parents and teachers are in sync. By maintaining open communication and collaborating with the teacher, parents can ensure they’re addressing their child’s individual needs and helping them succeed both at school and at home. Being open to feedback and working together creates a strong support system for the child.

2. Read with Your Child

Reading regularly, even over the summer, helps build important language skills and sparks a love for learning. It’s not about long, formal sessions; simple, enjoyable storytimes can make a big difference in your child’s literacy development. Reading also helps children expand their vocabulary and listening skills, both of which are vital for their success in school.

3. Encourage Sports for Social Skills

Participating in sports can teach children valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. It’s not about winning or getting a trophy, but about learning how to interact with others, share, and contribute to a team effort. These experiences help children develop social skills they’ll use in all areas of their lives.

4. Offer Opportunities for Both Peer and Independent Play

Both playing with friends and spending time in independent play are essential for a child’s development. Peer play helps children practice social interactions, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy. Independent play encourages creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to entertain themselves—all important skills for kindergarten.

5. Foster Imagination

Imaginative play is an important part of childhood development. Whether it’s through storytelling, pretend play, or creative building, encouraging your child’s imagination helps them develop cognitive skills, empathy, and creativity. These activities also allow children to explore their emotions and practice role-playing different situations, which aids in emotional intelligence.

6. Support Handwriting Development Through Play

Simple, fun activities like using Play-Doh, building with Plus-Plus, or drawing with markers help children develop the fine motor skills needed for handwriting. These activities strengthen their hands and fingers while providing a playful way to practice essential writing skills.

7. Help Your Child Understand and Express Emotions

Successful kindergarteners can identify and express their emotions. Helping your child recognize and name their feelings gives them the tools to manage their behavior, understand others, and cope with challenges. Emotional regulation is an integral part of social interaction and classroom learning.

8. Introduce Letters and Sounds Early

Children who are familiar with the letters in their name and the sounds they make tend to enter kindergarten with a head start in literacy. You don’t need to pressure your child to master everything—simply talking about letters, sounds, and their name can help build a strong foundation for early literacy skills.

9. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime schedule during the week is key to ensuring your child has enough energy and stamina for the classroom. A tired child may struggle throughout the day in many areas—socially, emotionally, and academically. Setting up a regular bedtime routine can help ensure your child wakes up rested and ready to learn.

10. Create an Organized Space for Their Belongings

Giving your child a designated place to keep their things helps them learn responsibility and stay organized. Encourage your child to take ownership of their school belongings by having them put their backpack away at the end of the day and get it ready in the morning. This practice supports their ability to stay organized and builds their sense of responsibility.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Parenting isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding small ways to support your child’s development in a way that fits your family. Even if you’re only able to incorporate a few of these practices, they can have a significant impact on your child’s success in kindergarten. The goal is to help your child feel confident, curious, and ready to learn—and as a parent, you’re already doing great!