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4 Things I Wish I’d Known as a Mom Before Starting Kindergarten

I’ve been sharing all the memes. You know, the ones featuring “kindergarten moms” sobbing on the first day of school and “grade school moms” gratefully (desperately?) waving their older children away with happy smiles on their faces? My baby started the former this year and I’m doing…okay. I haven’t cried. I’m actually quite proud she’s reached this educational milestone. When I dropped her off (in car line just like the big kids), #dailybocaavery was a old pro. She has been attending Grandview Preparatory School since age 3, after all. But despite our brave attitudes at the beginning of this school year, here are 4 things I wish I’d known before starting kindergarten at Grandview Prep!

Kindergartners want to embrace their independence

My child would not let me help her get dressed or even put her seat belt on this morning. She had to do it all “herself!” As a mom of a now 5 year-old, I need to remember to encourage her independent streak, not fight it tooth and nail because it makes things more difficult for ME. Have patience…and coffee. 🙂 Your kid’s in Lower School now.

Kindergartners need their friends

The hardest thing about summertime, at least for my daughter, was the absence of her friends from kindergarten at Grandview Prep. Sure, she got to see family in Maine and other friends at camp. But, she really missed her core group of people from school.

Luckily, Grandview is a small community, so I can coordinate easily with the other parents in her class of nine. So, hopefully we don’t make the same mistake next summer!

Kindergarten at Grandview Prep

Kindergartners should enjoy enrichment

It’s tough getting back into a routine during the first few weeks of school, but I’ve learned that a relatively structured schedule is key for survival…and student success! Kindergarten is the perfect time to start finding out what your child might be into.

Dance? Sports? Music? Yoga? When you enter kindergarten at Grandview Prep, there are so many options. Talk with your child about what they might have interest in and take advantage of what’s available to do right there on campus! I’m all about uncovering my child’s hidden talents and potential hobbies.

Kindergarten at Grandview Prep

Kindergartners are still crazy

I visited my daughter at lunch and even though she looks bigger than she did in Pre-K, she is just as silly. Luckily, her teacher embraces that quality in her students…but knows when to reign them in too.

Let them be little, right? <3


Sponsored: This post was sponsored by Grandview Preparatory School. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor.  Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I was compensated for this post, but that does not impact my views or opinions.


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Michelle Olson-Rogers, Modern Boca Mom Headshot

Michelle Olson-Rogers is the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a leading lifestyle site for the stylish & modern South Florida mommy. ModernBocaMom.com features local businesses, events, lifestyle and family travel options and was the proud winner of the 2019 Florida Blog Con Sunshine Award in the “Favorite Events/Neighborhood Blogger” category. Michelle is also a regular contributor to Boca Raton magazine.


In addition to blogging, Michelle also serves as the Director of Communications and Community Outreach for Grandview Preparatory School, a private PK3-Grade 12 independent school in east Boca Raton. Her successful “Modern Boca Mommy & Me” program has been running there year-round since 2014.

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