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
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Love, love, love. It makes the world go round. It... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More
17 Quick Ways to Strengthen the Bonds of LoveOn Mother's... Read More
The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
Here is a top secret to make your child genius... Read More
Oh Please, Don't Say Maybe!!!!Are you often a participant in... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Certainly we all want our children to excel. But it... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
How do we deal with our seriously distressed children and... Read More
If your child or teen has been diagnosed with Attention... Read More
We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
1) It's not my (pot, beer, cigarettes, etc.), I'm just... Read More
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, the... Read More
21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
Why Is Spending Time with Your Child So Important?For children... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
Chaim Ginott was a schoolteacher whose ideas and observations helped... Read More
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More
Do you think you really know your child? I don't... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Parenting |