There are many ways you can help your child be ready for kindergarten. One of the important ways is to help him learn about making friends.

Being a good friend begins early. If your child is in a playgroup or in preschool, he is regularly told and reminded to share, play nice, put away his toys. These lessons are important at home as well as at school. They are the basics to be a good friend.

If your child is between 1 and 4 years of age, be consistent with these rules. Focus on how the other child is happy and smiling when your child shares or helps clean up.

Remember that your child is young, so a long explanation may not be helpful. However, smiles from you or words of praise from you will help reinforce your child’s positive behaviors. Talking about being a good friend can really help him learn ways to be a friend.

It isn’t long before your little one will be off to kindergarten. These kinds of skills that you are teaching now set the stage for him to have a successful year.

Set the standards

There are some ways that you as a parent make a huge difference to your child. One way is by following some rules yourself. These rules give your child reassurance you are there for him. See how you are doing on the special five things to remember:

• I will get my child up earlier so we can spend some time together before the day begins.

• I won’t talk on my cell phone when I’m doing an activity with my child, even shopping.

• I will remember to be at eye level with my child when I need his attention.

• After work, I will spend five minutes with my child before I start going through the mail or returning calls.

• I will plan at least one outing or special activity with my child each week.

Many other ways exist for you to show your child you respect him. Don’t forget about the importance of reading with your child, talking to your child, playing with your child, keeping things positive with your child, and many others. These five are just a few more to remember.

These first years in your child’s life are some of the most important years for him. This time should be stimulating, nurturing, supportive and loving. If your child is talked to, read to, allowed to explore, experiment, and use all five senses he will be more likely to really be ready for school.

A parenting tip: If your family speaks a different language than English, read to your child in both languages. You want your child to be proud of his culture and language. There is room for two languages in your home. In fact, it’s a bonus.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.