Making the switch from preschool or home life to kindergarten is a big deal for any young child. It's more than just going to a new school. It's leaving parents behind for hours, being surrounded by new people and following set rules, all before they're old enough to truly speak up for themselves. Unsurprisingly, that can make starting kindergarten feel like a huge mountain ahead to any young child—but this doesn't have to anxiety-inducing if you follow these five tips.

1. Don't make a fuss

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for any child, so naturally, many parents tend to make a big deal out of the experience. However, even creating excitement in a positive way can create false expectations and further elevate a child's anxiety about the experience. Instead, try not to make a fuss. One way to downplay the experience by talking about starting a new kindergarten the same way you'd talk about starting any new activity, such as joining a club or heading to a new park. 

2. Read a book about it

Books are always a great way to introduce children to new ideas. Reading a book about the kindergarten experience can help prepare your child for the process, especially if the book's character shares their anxieties. Thankfully, kindergarten anxiety is a popular topic in picture books, so you should have no trouble finding one in a bookshop or library near you. Alternatively, you could also watch a TV show or YouTube video about the topic with your little one.

3. Give them some independence

Building up your child's independence can also help them feel more confident about being away from home all day. Try getting your child to help pack their own lunch box and backpack with their favourite things the night before their first day. This will give them a sense of feeling "grown-up" about the experience as they already have some ownership over it.

4. Use pretend play

Children love to play pretend, so why not use that as a tool for preparing them for the kindergarten experience? For example, role-playing as a teacher can help your child prepare for stressful experiences like asking a teacher for help. It's also a good idea to allow your child to take turns role-playing as the authority figure too, as this is another way to help them feel "grown-up" and independent.

5. Address their worries directly

Letting your child talk about their worries and tackling them head-on is another great way to reduce anxiety. For example, some children are worried about having a toilet accident at kindergarten. If your child feels the same, make sure you show them the bathroom on their first day, prepare them for how to ask the teacher to use the toilet and pack a change of clothes so they have nothing to worry about.

Contact a local education professional to learn more about nearby kindergarten programs.