When my children starting school for the first time, I was both excited and sad at the same time.
My babies were growing up and heading into the big wide world without me. How would they cope?.Will they make friends?. These were only a few of the millions of thoughts running through my head.
There are a few things you can do to help both yourself and your child transition from being at home to being at school. Try not to make too big a deal about it, as this may stress your child even further.
Here are a few tips which may help
1) Find some books that cover the subject of "My First School Day". Read them to your child and encourage any questions they may have.
2) Have trial separations from your child. If you child has been glued at your hip since birth, watching mum leave them can be quite traumatic for any child. Start leaving your child at Gran's house for a few hours, or a friends, or perhaps day care. Work up to a whole day so your child get familiar with separation from Mum or Dad.
3) Attend the school's orientation program - take your child, show the around so they get familiar with the play equipment, toilets and classrooms they will be using. This will help reduce the anxiety for your child.
4) Structure their days like a school day - include reading time, play time, morning recess, lunch and so forth. Get your child to pack lunch with you and place it in their school bag. Routine preparation will help your child feel comfortable on the day.
5) Set up play dates - if you already know children that will be attending the same school, encourage play dates prior to first day of school, that way your toddler will know a familar face on their big day.
6) Show excitement for your child - if Mum is anxious, your child will pick up on this. Be excited, drop your child off, give them a big kiss and walk away. Teachers are skilled in dealing with anxious children so they will be in good hands
But what happens if my child really hates their first few days at school?.
Be patient, give love and support to your child, listen to their fears and encourage them to be excited. It will only take a few weeks for your child to get into an established routine.
Good luck Mums and Dads, I hope your child enjoys their transition into school.
My babies were growing up and heading into the big wide world without me. How would they cope?.Will they make friends?. These were only a few of the millions of thoughts running through my head.
There are a few things you can do to help both yourself and your child transition from being at home to being at school. Try not to make too big a deal about it, as this may stress your child even further.
Here are a few tips which may help
1) Find some books that cover the subject of "My First School Day". Read them to your child and encourage any questions they may have.
2) Have trial separations from your child. If you child has been glued at your hip since birth, watching mum leave them can be quite traumatic for any child. Start leaving your child at Gran's house for a few hours, or a friends, or perhaps day care. Work up to a whole day so your child get familiar with separation from Mum or Dad.
3) Attend the school's orientation program - take your child, show the around so they get familiar with the play equipment, toilets and classrooms they will be using. This will help reduce the anxiety for your child.
4) Structure their days like a school day - include reading time, play time, morning recess, lunch and so forth. Get your child to pack lunch with you and place it in their school bag. Routine preparation will help your child feel comfortable on the day.
5) Set up play dates - if you already know children that will be attending the same school, encourage play dates prior to first day of school, that way your toddler will know a familar face on their big day.
6) Show excitement for your child - if Mum is anxious, your child will pick up on this. Be excited, drop your child off, give them a big kiss and walk away. Teachers are skilled in dealing with anxious children so they will be in good hands
But what happens if my child really hates their first few days at school?.
Be patient, give love and support to your child, listen to their fears and encourage them to be excited. It will only take a few weeks for your child to get into an established routine.
Good luck Mums and Dads, I hope your child enjoys their transition into school.
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