The minute our babies enter the world, we immediately start anticipating the milestones they will achieve. Sitting up, crawling, walking, talking, learning, and growing. Each day seems to bring something new.Kindergarten is a major milestone for children and parents. It is a time of anticipation and worry. Your child is growing up. I had a chance to interview Angela Kendall, author of the newly released and critically acclaimed book, “A New Day: Kindergarten Is Here." She discusses why kindergarten is such a milestone.
Why did you write your book?
As a mother of four, the milestones seem to come faster and faster with each child. As we were preparing our third child, Jaxson Alexander, for his big transition to Kindergarten something struck me. As parents, it's so hard to know if they are ready for their big new world ahead. I journaled about my feelings and emotions and thought that many parents must be experiencing these same emotions.
Did you draw on your own experience as a parent?
Absolutely !! I have had the privilege of being a younger mom and a more "mature" parent. As an older mother, I was able to spend more time with my little ones and slow down a bit to enjoy each moment. As each milestone approached, I became more emotional and began to journal about my feelings. When reviewing my journal entries, I saw some valuable insights that other parents may benefit from hearing. Knowing that you're not alone in this big parenting world is comforting.
What did you enjoy most about writing the book?
I have always enjoyed writing. I have used it as an outlet to express myself privately for many years. I loved how my private journal entries evolved, and became a message that so many of us can relate to.
What message do you want parents and kids to learn?
To believe in yourself !! For parents, we always question if we've done "enough". Have we prepared our babies enough, taught them enough, encouraged, disciplined enough ? Parents - trust that you've done the right things for your children and that they will be okay!! Children..believe that you are strong enough to face each new day, new challenge, or opportunity with strength and pride - knowing that your parents will always be there to support you.
Why is kindergarten such a major milestone?
This! I could go on and on. For me something just clicked while preparing to send Jaxson off to Kindergarten. For five years we do everything for our babies ...they need us. We want them to need us, and honestly I feel as parents we thrive off of that need. From getting them dressed to preparing their lunch, playing with them, reading to them, - helping them with little things throughout the day. Then one day, they want to get themselves dressed, they carry their own lunch into school, find their way to their classroom, work independently, socialize, trust, grow and learn...all on their own. As parents we are left to stand in awe, as our babies grow up so fast with this one big transition to school.
How can families adjust to still spending time with their little ones even though they're gone at school part of the day?
For us, having a nightly routine is more important than ever. Give them something to look forward to each night by being present with them...whether it's sitting down for dinner as a family, playing games, going for walks, etc. What I've learned as a mom of four kids - is that the only thing that kids really want from us is our time ...no phones, no distractions - just us being in the moment.
How can families help prepare their little students to navigate the new world of kindergarten?
I think this book is a great tool. Letting them into our minds as a parents for a moment, letting them see a vulnerable side to us...while also showing them how strong they can be. My book can open up new conversations and questions that kids may have about their new day. I love that my book illustrates how parents and kids can navigate this emotional journeys together 
You have written a previous children’s book, could you tell us about that?
Yes !! 'This Day' - my first book was published in 2017 after the birth of our third child Jaxson. It came to be quite similarly to my latest book. I was journaling all about my experiences of being a new mom… after 11 years with no babies. Everything seem to hit me harder… I wanted time to slow down so that I could take everything in and soak in every moment. My first book is unique, in the fact that it tells a story from both the parents point of view, as well as the babies point of view if he or she were able to speak. The message is so relatable to new parents. Don't take time for granted, don't sweat the small stuff, and KNOW that your child thinks you are doing an amazing job of loving them.
Will you be writing more books?
Yes !! I am taking each day as it comes. I am continuing to journal and document my unique motherhood journey. My plan is to continue on the path of sharing relatable messages with parents, while entertaining our children along the way.
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