Ways to prepare children for kindergarten

One of the best ways to prepare children for anything-going to kindergarten, going to the supermarket or anywhere else-is to help them understand what to expect.

"In the case of kindergarten, a parent should definitely take his or her child on a visit to the school so that he or she can see the classroom he or she will be attending," said Malinda Muzi, a psychologist and author.

"The child should be allowed to explore the classroom and look at the art materials, books and other materials in the room. It is important that the child meet the teacher he or she will be having, or, if this isn't possible, another teacher," said Muzi.

At home, this new experience should be talked about positively.

Perhaps the child can meet another neighborhood boy or girl who is going to be in the kindergarten class. Additionally, there are children's books about school and it might be helpful to read with your child about this experience.

"The key is to make this coming event a happy one, so that the child looks forward to going," Muzi said.