Full Day Kindergarten?

I think you could try letting her stay up, instead of giving her the regular nap, and see how she does. You can always give her a nap when she gets home from school. My 5 year old had a hard time the first week, but once they get used to it they are able to stay up longer. He still takes naps to this day and he will be in 2nd grade this fall. I hope things go well for you and congrats on your daughter being in kindergarten.

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Our school does K from 8:30 to 2:30 as well. My oldest son (he is now 10) was pretty tired for the first two weeks, he adjusted quite well to the schedule after that. My youngest will be starting K this year. Both of my boys have been going to school since they were 2 1/2 years old. My youngest is use to getting out of school at 12:30, I imagine that he will be quite tired for the first two weeks as well.

Maybe you can give your daughter a short nap when she comes home from school....just an idea.

Good luck to your little one on her first day of K!!!

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At kindergarten they usually have a quiet nap time right after they come back from recess or lunch time. I wouldn't worry too much, what you can start doing at home to prepare is to do the schedule from school. Start your day at 8am bfast, then snack time, play time at 11am, then nap time around 1pm like she does not, believe me it doesn't change much and kindergarten gives them a slow transition also.. My son went to kinder last year and his first week of school went from 8-12 then after in week 2 they went til 1 then by the time they had adjusted the kids woudl be ready for the 6hr day- don't worry too much she will be fine, there is so much to do in kinder they won't even notice the change in hours..

Dear T.,

Well, for one thing, you can give her a quiet after school time, early dinner and early to bed, so that she can get up early in the a.m. so that you two can have some morning time together - and dad, of course, too. No shopping trips after school, just be at home and quiet play and relaxation. People nowadays forget that kids need relaxation. So you keep that in mind for your daughter, and yourself too, and you will be happier, and so will she. Kids get tired more easily that adults think. ...or maybe the adults realize this and keep the kids going until they are waaaay too tired and can't get to sleep, and get into the habit of being cranky and demanding. Sorry if I seem grouchy, but sometimes I get irritated with the way that children are not given quiet time enough these days. I am a gr grandmother, so you see, I've seen a lot. C. N.

T.,

It can be a challenge but it is very doable. My oldest, who is now going in to 2nd grade went to all day kindergarten and loved it. He had stopped taking naps though way before kindergarten had started. My daughter will also go to a all day kindergarten and she still takes naps. This will be a transition. I saw MANY droopy eyed kids the first couple of weeks but after that they were fine. I know with Hannah, my youngest, she will probably just go to bed a bit earlier...she is a night owl so it will be a blessing!!!

Good luck,
M.