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So your child is in kindergarten now!

Kindergarten is a new and exciting step for everyone! As a parent, you are probably experiencing many emotions as you see your Tiny Tot growing up—excitement, anticipation, joy, and sadness. You may be asking yourself, “Where is the time going?!?” You now have an elementary school kid, and you’re going to do great! CCKids is here for you. Every child is different, but here are a few things we think will help you as you parent your kindergartner this year.

One question we believe almost every kindergartner is asking is, "Who's there for me?" Previously your toddler may have been one adorable kid drawing the attention of multiple adults. Now they are in a group with multiple kids—some as cute and smart as they are! At school, church, or home they still crave attention and need assurance that they are not alone.

This year your child will discover that in addition to the support you provide, they will experience love and support from new friends, small group leaders, and other CCKids volunteers. As your child learns more about God’s character in CCKids, they will discover that God is ALWAYS there, and loves them unconditionally.

Your role in your child's life is to engage their interests.

School is a big deal! Your child is now an elementary kid and with that comes many changes—homework, packing lunches, and lots of new routines. But the stress of adapting to the new routine can also be a great catalyst for discovery and growth. Your kindergartner’s abilities to respond to crisis and change will sharpen as you answer their questions, listen to their stories, and show up consistently!

So that you can best engage their interest, here are three things to consider:

  • Your child thinks like a scientist: Giving them concrete examples will help them learn.
  • Your child longs for attention: You speak to their heart when you acknowledge their uniqueness and help them improve their abilities.
  • Your child is driven by fun: You can influence their growth and learning when you play on their level.

Ways Your Child is Changing.

PHYSICALLY

  • They are growing like weeds!
  • They are beginning to lose their baby teeth.
  • They are gaining dexterity (dressing themselves, riding a bike, etc.)

SOCIALLY

  • Longs to be helpful.
  • Wants to be independent but needs guidance on how to do things such as taking turns and losing well.
  • Eager to please, yet still self-consumed.

MENTALLY

  • Can focus on one activity for 15 minutes or less.
  • Begins to recognize numbers, shapes, and colors.
  • Begins to understand the difference between real and pretend.

EMOTIONALLY

  • Very sensitive to harsh words, tones, and body language.
  • Deals with fear and the unknown through distractions.
  • Expresses emotion through drawings and play rather than words.

The Three Most Important Things to Remember.

If you would like help or ideas on how to do any of these things, we are always here to help!

Resources We Recommend.

Books.

If you’re unable to afford any of these resources, please let us know—we’d love to help!

Teach Your Children Well
This book gives a brilliant, effective and yet simple perspective on how we can help our kids form a deep relationship with Jesus. This is for all of us imperfect parents with limited time and capacity.
Parenting Your Kindergartner
This has a lot of blank pages for processing questions which isn’t for everyone, but the other pages are full of very insightful information and practical advice or ideas that can help clarify how to engage with your kid.
Big Truths for Young Hearts
Well-written book that introduces theology to kids. Parents can jump around the chapters and read relevant truths about God, human nature, salvation, and the Church as their kids inquire. Older kids may enjoy reading it on their own. This is big stuff!
The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids
This book will very practically provide you with resources on how to build a home filled with joy and peace. It includes useful skills and stories for every stage of development.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
A beautifully illustrated Bible containing easy to understand stories from the New and Old Testament that point to Jesus as our Savior.
Jesus Calling Bible Storybook
Perfect for little ones able to listen to Bible stories that are a few minutes long. Both Old and New Testament stories.

Podcasts/Websites.

Parent Cue Blog
This website is crammed with tons of articles on many subjects with practical helpful advice.
Hi, I'm Janna Clark!

I’m the CCKids Director at Christ Community Church. I have been working in Children’s ministry for 25 years, and each year has brought me such joy as God has given me a passion for kids and helping them to experience who Jesus is and how much He desires them. If you ever have any questions—let's connect. I am happy to help in any way I can (preferably over an iced chai)!

CCKids is for kindergarten through fourth grade and meets during every weekend adult service time.  In addition, CCKids Club meets most Wednesday nights during the school year from 6-8 pm.