Navigating Your Child's First School Year
Now that the first three weeks of school have passed, it’s common for parents to start noticing aspects of their child’s school experience that may cause concern. Whether it's related to social interactions, academic performance, or behavioural changes, these early weeks can often reveal areas where your child might need additional support. You may find yourself wondering if they're adjusting well, making friends, or understanding new concepts in class. These concerns are completely normal, and you’re not alone—many parents are likely experiencing the same worries. It's important to remember that it takes time for children to settle into a new routine and environment, and reaching out to teachers or support staff for insight and/or guidance can provide some reassurance. While the school year is still young, this is a good time to stay engaged, observe your child's progress, and collaborate with the school to ensure they receive support with any necessary resources or interventions early on. Trust your instincts, but also give your child grace as they adapt to the changes that come with a new school year!
Read on to explore what’s typical for this age group, what may need closer attention, and why it’s important to seek support when needed.
Typical Kindergarten Behaviours
Kindergarten is a period of significant change for children. They are adjusting to new environments, routines, and social dynamics, all of which can feel overwhelming at times. With these adjustments, it’s common to see behaviours that may seem out of the ordinary but are actually quite age-appropriate. For instance, children might become more clingy or experience emotional outbursts as they navigate the separation from their primary caregivers during the school day. They may also exhibit challenges with sharing, following instructions, or managing their emotions in group settings, as these are all skills that are still developing at this age.
Here are a few examples of typical behaviours at this stage:
- Separation Anxiety: Many children struggle with being away from their parents at first. It’s normal for kids to cry or cling to their caregivers during drop-offs. Over time, most children adjust to this new routine.
- Emotional Outbursts: As children begin to manage their emotions, you might notice an increase in temper tantrums or meltdowns, especially when they are tired or overwhelmed. This is often a sign that they are still learning how to regulate their emotions, which is a typical developmental process.
- Social Challenges: Kindergarten is often the first time children are in a large group of peers for an extended period. They are learning social skills like sharing, turn-taking, and conflict resolution, which can sometimes lead to arguments or frustration with classmates.
- Short Attention Spans: It’s normal for children in kindergarten to have trouble focusing for long periods. Expect them to get distracted easily or struggle to sit still for extended activities. A rule of thumb is that kids can typically only sit in “circle-time” for a duration equivalent to their age (5years = 5min).
These behaviours, while sometimes challenging, usually resolve on their own as children grow, gain confidence, and adapt to the school environment. However, some behaviours may signal underlying issues that could benefit from early intervention.
When to Take a Closer Look
While many behaviours in kindergarten are typical, there are some signs that may indicate a need for further exploration. Early detection of developmental challenges such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disabilities can make a significant difference in your child’s experience at school and beyond.
Here are some behaviours that may warrant closer attention:
- Difficulty with Communication: If your child struggles with language or has trouble expressing themselves in a way that is typical for their age, it might be worth exploring further. For example, if they have difficulty understanding instructions or using words to communicate their needs, this could be a sign of a language delay or another communication disorder.
- Repetitive or Rigid Behaviours: Children who show repetitive behaviours, such as lining up toys in a particular order or becoming upset when their routine is disrupted, might benefit from further evaluation.
- Lack of Eye Contact or Social Engagement: While shyness is normal, if your child consistently avoids eye contact or struggles to engage with peers or adults, it might indicate social challenges that are worth investigating.
- Extreme Difficulty with Attention and Impulse Control: While short attention spans are normal at this age, children who are consistently unable to follow instructions, stay on task, or control impulses to a degree that interferes with their ability to function in the classroom may have attentional issues.
- Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: Struggling to hold a pencil, draw shapes, or perform tasks like using scissors can be a sign of a developmental delay in motor skills.
- Aggressive or Withdrawn Behaviour: While emotional outbursts are typical, ongoing aggressive behaviour or extreme withdrawal from social interaction might suggest that your child is struggling emotionally or developmentally.
Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent
It’s important to remember that no one knows your child better than you. If you notice any of these behaviours or if something just doesn’t feel right, it’s worth paying attention to your instincts. Many parents may feel a sense of guilt or shame when they have concerns about their child’s development, worrying that they’ve done something wrong or failed in some way. However, it’s crucial to approach these concerns with self-compassion and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure.
There is no harm in asking questions or seeking an assessment. Early identification of issues like ASD, ADHD, or learning disabilities can provide your child with the support they need to thrive, both in school and in life. In fact, early intervention is often key to helping children develop the skills and strategies they need to navigate their world more comfortably.
Taking Action: What to Do Next
If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour or development, there are several steps you can take:
1. Talk to Your Child’s Teacher: Teachers spend a lot of time observing children in group settings and may have insights into your child’s behaviour. They can offer a valuable perspective on whether what you’re seeing at home is also happening in the classroom.
2. Speak with a Paediatrician: Your child’s doctor can help rule out any medical causes for the behaviour you’re seeing and may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if needed.
3. Consider a Developmental Assessment: If concerns persist, a comprehensive developmental assessment can provide clarity. This process often involves several professionals, including psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, who work together to assess your child’s strengths and challenges.
4. Seek Support: Parenting a child with developmental challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Support groups, parenting courses, and working with a counsellor can provide you with the tools you need to support your child effectively. It’s completely normal to worry about your child’s development, and you’re not alone in those feelings! Many parents share the same concerns but may be hesitant to voice them. Don't forget that it’s okay to ask questions, seek support, and know that others are likely feeling the same way, even if they don’t always express it.
Download our free guide BELOW to developmental milestones for kindergarten-aged children to help you better understand your child’s growth and progress during this important stage.
Please remember that while this blog is designed to provide useful insights and help you understand your child’s behaviours, not all concerns necessarily indicate a serious issue. Every child develops at their own pace, and many behaviours that may seem unusual are simply part of a child’s natural growth and adjustment process.
It's also important to note that occasional challenges in communication, attention, or social interactions are common in young children and often resolve on their own with time and support. This resource is meant to offer guidance and help you feel informed, but it is not intended to cause worry or imply that every concern is a sign of a developmental disorder.
If you ever have questions or concerns, trust your instincts and seek advice from professionals like teachers or pediatricians, who can help determine whether further exploration is needed. Above all, know that being proactive in understanding your child’s development is a positive step toward supporting their well-being. Remember, parenting is a journey, and recognizing when your child might need extra support is one of the most loving things you can do.
