My children are about to start a new school year. My daughter is going into first grade, which I cannot even understand, and my son will begin pre-k. The summer was a blast. I’m pretty sure we hit the pool more in the last 3 months than in their entire LIVES. It was relaxing and enjoyable… but we are all exhausted. 

Who is ready for the school year to begin?! 

Last night, I had my daughter read me a book. It was level 2 (read with help) and I wasn’t sure how much of it she could get through. By the end, I was in tears. My little girl practically read the entire thing on her own. I saw her for who she was – not my baby but an older/ smarter / more robust version of her self. Where did the time go?

I was so fearful that she would lose all her skills over the summer. You hear those horrible statistics about children forgetting it all during vacation. I tried my hardest to keep their minds active. We went to the library, subscribed to Highlights Magazine, printed out online worksheets, did at-home activities. It wasn’t all about the television this summer and I am so thankful we made that decision so early on. 

However, I had some foundation this summer. I just continued what we did throughout the school year. What about those parents who have first time children heading into Pre-K? How could they possibly know what to do to prepare? Thank goodness there are sties like KinderCarearound that offer amazing detail on the process and what to expect from the experience. 

I wish I knew about this site a few years ago when Natalie was going into nursery. I would have been so much more prepared! There’s everything from sample schedules, to a childcare resource library to tips on healthy snacks. LOVE IT! 

I’m curious to know: What advice do you have for moms prepping for preschool? KinderCarewill choose one lucky participant and make donation in their name to the Reach Out And Readchapter of their choice!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KinderCare. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Contest Rules.