Back to School: 7 Tips for a Great First Day
Monday, August 16, 2010
Every first day of school brings excitement, usually a new outfit, and some jitters. For those families with the youngest first-dayers, here are 7 tips for taking the nerves out of some pretty big steps into a brand new world.
1. Talk ahead about the bathroom. Little ones get nervous about this, and a short, calm session about how their bathroom will probably be close to their class, and that their teacher will show it to them, will set their minds at ease. Further, for new kindergartners, let them know that if they don't make it, there's a change of underpants there (and deliver those to teacher first day), and that they just need to let teacher know. No big deal.
2. Let them know what to expect. IF there wasn't an orientation, call your child's school and ask for a daily schedule you can go over with your student, whether for pre-school, kindergarten, or any grade, for that matter. Knowing what's coming, even in the broadest terms, reduces anxiety.
3. Talk about the end of the day. Often the focus is so much on getting there, that little ones panic as the day comes to a close. Where's my mom? How will I get home? Give your new schooler the 411 on whether they're taking a bus or getting a ride. If you're the picker-upper, make sure they know that you'll be there, that you probably will NOT be the first in line, and that even if they need to wait, the teacher will stay with them and you will be there.
4. Get the new clothes, but don't pressure her to wear them. When it's go-time, your little one may suddenly want the comfortable feel of a summer or last-year's outfit, even if it's worn or even too small. Don't sweat this - a little familiar comfort can be a big confidence boost. That new outfit will be worn with pride in no time.
5. Leave Fuzzy at home. While it might seem like a good idea to have a comfort object nearby, there are too many ways it can become lost or just "borrowed." Pick a safe spot at home for that well-loved bunny, kitty, or teddy bear, and set it there with your child's oversight. Consider a "backpack buddy" that can ride along to school - one that's smaller and less precious.
6. Abdicate drop off. If your little student is too dependent on you and has trouble separating, switch off and have your spouse do the drop. Or carpool with other families and make the goodbye an easier one in the driveway.
7. Prep yourself the night before. There will always be the unexpected hitch, hold-up, cloudburst of tears. Preserve your own sanity by getting as much preparation done in the evening. Make lunches, sign permission slips, gather books and supplies. Then you've got room for crisis.
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