What can we practice before kindergarten if my 5-year-old won't tell an unfamiliar adult that they need help or can't find something?
My 5-year-old will tell me everything that's wrong, in detail, but goes silent with an adult she doesn't know. I'm picturing a lost lunchbox or not knowing where to put her coat. We have a few weeks before kindergarten. What small practice feels useful without scaring her?
We played a very silly version where I was a teacher who couldn't find my own shoe. My child had to tell me what was missing and ask for help. I'd keep it that small rather than listing all the things that might go wrong at school.
I'd ask whether she can meet one familiar contact before the first day, even briefly. For my kid, knowing who to approach matters more than having the perfect sentence ready. I'd also tell the teacher that quiet doesn't always mean everything is fine.