Ten Tips for a Great First Day of School!

Many children are jittery on the first day of school. Listed are ways to prepare your child for the big day!

-Read books about school.

-Talk to other children about school, especially siblings or neighborhood

friends. These "experts" can help answer any questions your child might ask.

-Visit the school and the classroom prior to the first day.

-Introduce your child to the new teacher before the first day of school.

-Use structure to foster independence.

*Establish a regular bedtime at least two weeks before the start of

school.

*Establish an unhurried morning routine to help your child get ready-

and feel ready-to take on the school day.

-Practice the school drop-off and pick-up procedure with your child.

-Play school! Role play imagined school scenes, such as asking restroom

permission or walking quietly in the hall.

-Transitional objects encourage and support the child through the school day.

*Select school supplies together, such as backpacks or lunchboxes.

*Place a family photo or special note inside your child's lunchbox.

-Plan to say good-bye quickly. Children are quick to "pick up" signs of

hesitation by parents and may become upset. MAKE THE SEPARATION CLEAN."

-Take a short time out at the end of the day and discuss your child's big

adventure!

Congratulations! You made it through Day One!

Even the most prepared child may have second thoughts about crossing the threshold of the classroom. He or she may become shy,clingy, or tearful. If a parent anticipates the child may need extra support, discuss your concerns with the teacher BEFORE the first day. Short term support arrangements can be developed between parent, teacher, and other school support personnel, such as the school counselor,should separation difficulties continue beyond the first days of school.

Such arrangements might include:

-Allow the child to bring a "parent surrogate" to school, an object that

provides security to the child, such as a stuffed animal or favorite blanket.

-Arrange to have a friendly face meet your child at the school entrance and escort the student to class. Praise your child for entering the class independently!

Should your child demonstrate distress at separation, keep in mind, most departure behavior ends shortly after the parent departs. Contact your child's teacher later in the day to confirm the length of time your child continues to cry or refuse join the classroom activities. If your child settles down quickly, the chances that departure behavior will improve each day is good, if the parent sticks by the established good-bye routine.

If the teacher reports your child continues to demonstrate distress in ways that impacts your child's participation and enjoyment of the day or is disruptive to the academic environment of fellow classmates, ask for advice from the school on what you ALL can do, as a team, to establish a positive entry into school.

One year or more at school will leave most children feeling more at ease with predictable separations and more confident in their own budding social an cognitive skills. Believe it or not, a week or so into summer vacation, don't be surprised when your child says, "I'm really miss going to school!"

Sheree S. Marty has worked with elementary school children as a school counselor for the past nine years. A physical education teacher for thirteen years, Ms. Marty earned her Master degree in Counseling in 2000. Ms. Marty is the author and owner of "Chinese Jump Rope", a childrens games book and website. For more information, visit http://chinesejumprope.tripod.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Give Your Child Life Skills for a Lifetime

Many parents struggle with solutions to put their child on... Read More

Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Never Went To Public School

Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More

Some Tips for Healthy Parenting

Looking back through my files I've come across several great... Read More

After the Driving School

If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More

Twins - Double The Trouble Or Double The Pleasure? Both!

If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More

The Theme from MASH - Suicide is Not Painless

The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More

Hiking with Children

There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More

Words of Wisdom for Single Parents

The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More

Humans and Their Innate Need for Drug Stimulation

We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More

Internet Dangers - Protecting Children from Internet Jeopardy

Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More

So, My Child Has Been Recommended for Testing - What Do I Do Now?

You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More

Why Wont My Child Do as I Say?

In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More

Effects of Jealousy on Childs Personality

Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More

Raising a Tobacco-Free Kid

We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More

Selecting and Hiring Childcare Employees

In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More

3 Rules to Making TeensTechnology Work For You

Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More

Guide to Choosing a Computer System for Your Child

Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe... Read More

Teaching Reading: Part One

One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More

Mutants or Clones?

In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More

Summer Survival

Summer Survival The... Read More

Managing Your Stepfamily

If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More

Ritalin (Methylphenidate) in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More

Americas Public School System --- Brutal and Spartan

The public school system in America has become a dismal... Read More

Back to School; Time to Recharge

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More

Why First Borns Fuss, Seconds Are Resilient and Last Borns Like To Laugh

How can two or three children in the same family... Read More

Second Letter to My Daughter

Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More

What Values Are We Giving Our Children?

On a bright Sunday morning, a couple of weeks ago,... Read More

Developing a Fantastic Relationship with Your Child

Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More

Super Nanny - A Users Guide to Watching Super Nanny

There are many things to like about the television show... Read More

MORAL ARMORS Irrational Parenting, Part II

Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More

The Secrets To Improving Childrens Behaviour

Most parents at some stage are driven to distraction by... Read More

Anti Scooter Media Frenzy

An estimated five million scooters will be sold this year... Read More

Childhood Friendships

Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary... Read More