Any major change in a child's disposition or behavior may be the result of the stress surrounding his transition from preschool to kindergarten. In particular he may complain about headaches, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping or nightmares. You may also notice he seems irritable or tired, has difficulty making decisions, does not want to be alone, clings to you or your spouse and worries about himself or other family members getting hurt.
One reason a child may experience anxiety about kindergarten is because he has been very close to his mother or father as a result of spending time with one of them during summer vacation, a holiday break or prolonged illness. A child who's typically home with one parent most of the day may be hesitant to leave for school.
A child may be hesitant to enter kindergarten if she had challenging experiences in preschool that may have caused her to fear or dislike school. She may worry that the same situation will happen again. She may also feel concerned that she won't like the new school or enjoy meeting new people.
Entering a new school can prove especially stressful for a child who has been in the same preschool for a year or two and has become very comfortable there. It may be hard for him to understand why he needs to go to a new school, which can cause hesitancy and stress. He may feel sad about losing his previous friends and worry about making new ones. He may also feel concerned or worry what kindergarten will be like.
A child's transitional stress can be heightened by a major life change or event just prior to her entering kindergarten. Such an event might consist of the death of a beloved relative or pet, the birth of a new sibling, moving to a new neighborhood or her parents announcing their intention to divorce.
Parents can prepare a child for the transition from preschool to kindergarten by discussing in a positive and reassuring manner when she'll start school. A parent may read books about going to school or role play new school experiences. If possible, have your child meet her teacher and tour the school ahead of time. The night before her first day, prepare her meal, clothes and transportation to lessen the stress of getting out the door in the morning. Your child may want to take something familiar from home to help her feel brave, such as a favorite toy or stuffed animal.