3 Things to Do Before Your Child’s First Day of School
The first day of school is a scary and uncertain time for many kids. Their life is changing so much as they meet new people and do new things. It’s easy to understand why your child may hesitate and be skeptical about going to school but you can help make this experience a pleasant one. No matter how old your child gets, he will need your support. The first day of school is an important one and there are things you can do to help make this day go more smoothly for your child.
Here are three things to do before your child’s first day of school to help her prepare for this new, exciting adventure:
1. Talk to your child about her feelings. Going to school is exciting and scary at the same time. Kids go through various emotions, some of which they don’t really understand. Talking to your child about her fears will help you understand what she is feeling, so you can help her overcome these fears.
2. Take a tour of the school. Visiting the classroom, meeting the teacher and touring the school can go a long ways in preparing your child for the new school year. It’ll help her get familiar with her new surroundings so she feels more comfortable about being away from home.
3. On the first day of school say your goodbyes but don’t linger. Reassure your child that you’re not far away. Let her know that you’ll be there if she needs you and that you’ll see her in a few hours. Be happy and positive when you hug your child goodbye, tell her to have a great day and then leave without hesitating. This shows her that you’re confident she is safe and will have a great day.
Always listen to your child and reassure her that you’ll be there to help if problems arise. Knowing you support her and that you’re only a short drive away will help to ease those first day jitters.
so many lingering parents last sept. The teachers sure did have their work cut out for them!
Very nice tips, very important to have a good start.
Touring the school sure does help and I agree do not linger around!!
Great reminders as we prepare to go back to school. My daughter goes into grade 1 this year so we are still pretty new to this.
Thanks for the tips. I know one has to make a “clean break” the first morning, but it is hard to do.
It is! Best of luck!
It’s true that kids have mixed emotions about going to school, they’re excited but scared at the same time, so much is unknown to them. Talking positively about school will help them to relax. I know one child who was very disappointed that he had to go back after his first day at school. He thought that one day was it, obviously it hadn’t been talked about enough at home.
Thanks for the tips!
A few years ago when we moved and switched schools, we did a tour of each school the week before classes started and it really helped the kids feel more comfortable heading in the first day.