Easing into the Start of School
The summer seems to be flying by and, before we know it, the first day of school will be here! Children can carry many different feelings as the new school year approaches. Watching your child navigate strong emotions can be hard.
There are some steps we can take as parents to help ease anxieties prior to the first day of school:
Lend a listening ear
Ask: “How are you feeling about the start of school?” Validate their feelings. Be careful with your own words regarding the transition as children take their cues from us. Keep things light and positive: This summer with you has been so much fun and now I can’t wait for the fall! Do you want to try a fall sport?
Read aloud
Reading aloud as you approach the start of school can open up helpful conversations. It is much easier to talk about a character in a story rather than ourselves. Asking open-ended questions while you read can give you clues into how your child is processing a change. Why do you think Mae said, “I’m not going?” Some favorites for fostering this dialogue include: Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube, The Pigeon Has to Go To School by Mo Willems, Old Friends, New Friends by Andrew Daddo, The Day you Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Starting School by Jane Godwin.
Print a calendar
Print a simple calendar so that your child has a visual of when school will begin. As adults, we are more familiar with the concept of time and can mentally keep track of the days of the week. Children can benefit from seeing the dates and events leading up to the first day of school. Cross off the days as they come.
Shopping date
Take your child on a school supply shopping date! Give your child the list of supplies and let them choose the journal they prefer, etc. Choice over small things (Would you like the purple or green folder?) can help your child to feel in control.
Arrange a playdate
Arrange a playdate so that your child will see a familiar face at school. Reconnecting with an old friend or meeting a new friend before the first day can ease your child’s comfort level in the classroom.
Meet the teacher
If your school has an Open House, make plans to attend. If not, ask around to learn a little about the teacher. Making a small connection with the teacher prior to the first day can ease angst. I hear your teacher has a Golden Retriever just like we do!
Practice, practice, practice
Practice makes permanent! Practice buttons, zippers, shoes, lunchboxes… Practicing the tiny things that can trip your child throughout their day can help with stamina to get through unknown tricky situations that may arise.
School schedule
Ease into the school schedule. Earlier bedtimes can create more peaceful mornings.
First day fun
Finally, first day fun! What would feel fun to your child to celebrate the first day of school? A warm chocolate chip cookie, a dance party in the living room, running through the sprinkler? Make a plan so they have something to look forward to after their big day!
