Navigating New Beginnings: Parents Face Emotions as Kindergarten Starts

As families across the nation prepare for the return of school, many are experiencing a shift with the introduction of full-day kindergarten. This significant change has prompted many parents to reflect on the impacts of this policy, particularly on their family dynamics and daily routines.

Colleen Connors, a parent with a daughter named Sophia, expresses mixed emotions as she prepares to send her child to kindergarten. After weeks of organizing supplies, she reflects on the milestone this represents for her daughter, who is filled with excitement while she feels a mix of anxiety and nostalgia.

Experts like Vanessa McAuley, who works on the Newfoundland and Labrador school district’s safe and inclusive schools policy, advise parents to focus on co-regulation — feeling and addressing emotions together with their children. This approach can help ease the transition into school life for both parents and children.

Further research conducted by scholars from BYU and Notre Dame has examined the broader implications of full-day kindergarten. The study highlights how extended school hours can alleviate burdens for mothers, reducing mid-day transportation responsibilities and allowing for greater flexibility in their schedules.

The research shows that mothers have additional time to engage in work or other family responsibilities, which can be valuable during the demanding parenting stage. This aspect of full-day kindergarten serves as a potential form of subsidized childcare, providing financial opportunities for families.

Interestingly, the data indicates that children in full-day kindergarten spend only slightly less time with their mothers compared to those in half-day programs. This finding helps dispel some concerns regarding the negative impacts of increased school hours on family time.

Overall, the introduction of full-day kindergarten offers parents the choice of how to best structure their children’s education, and it presents an opportunity for families to make informed decisions about what is best for their young ones.