Q: My child starts kindergarten soon, and school rules will be different from our rules at home. How do I prepare my child for a new set of rules?

Beginning kindergarten is very exciting for children. They will meet new friends and experience great things, including adjusting to the rules and routines in the kindergarten classroom. Children count on the rules, routines and structure kindergarten provides. They see kindergarten as “real school,” perceive rules as absolute and non negotiable, and most tend to go along with the rules in hopes of getting the teacher’s attention and praise.

At the age of five, children are aware of their skills compared to others and become self-critical. They are preoccupied with categorizing and begin to evaluate themselves socially. They can tell you who is the smartest, the tallest, the prettiest, and the fastest runner. Kindergarteners can also tell you who does not follow the rules.

To help prepare your child, first learn about her school’s rules and think about the social skills she will need. You can help your child practice these skills—and make it fun—by playing school with your child. Here are some examples of games and activities that will help your child get ready for that exciting first day:

Story Circle: Have your child sit in a circle with other children and listen while you read a story. Ask them questions about the story and have them raise their hands to answer.

Play Dates: Invite children to your home and arrange to have your child visit their homes too. She can bring some toys along to practice sharing and taking turns.

Lyla Tyler is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor with a private practice in downtown Sacramento and Member of California Association of Marriage and Family. To find a therapist near you: www.TherapistFinder.com