A new experience for young children

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The first day of school is an exciting milestone in your life as well as your child’s. The start of school is a passage that will lead him or her on many roads, including discovery, independence, socialization and learning. The introduction of a new setting such as a learning environment is often stressful for both parents/caregivers and children.  It is common for even the most outgoing child and parent/caregiver to be worried the first day of school.

 

Here are a few suggestions to add to your toolbox to help you and your child get through uneven times.  Even though your child might “appear” settled after being in school for several days, long weekends, vacations and “unknowns” can be triggers for reliving the first day of school.

Toolbox for Children

and Parents

• Prepare your child for his or her new school experience by explaining what to expect. Answer all questions directly and honestly. Try not to use too many words especially with younger children.

Be positive! Young children have a keen ability to pick up on your feelings. Try to exude positive vibes about your child going to school and echo the sentiments that his or her experience can be fun and exciting. 

• Ask the school or early learning center for a schedule. Then you can preview what your child can expect on a given day. For example, “When you get to school, we will say good morning to your teachers, hang up your backpack, put your picture up on the ‘who’s here’ board, then I will read you a story. After I read the story it will be time for me to go to work. I will see you at _______.  When we get home we can _______.”

• Keep a calendar in the kitchen or other high-traffic area in your home at your child’s eye level. Name school days “green days” and home days “red days.” Indicate on your home calendars which are red (no school days) and green (school days). Tracing around the perimeter of the square works well.

• Leave a family picture in your child’s cubby so he or she can “visit” when missing you.

• On a piece of heart-shaped paper, write and “I love you” so your child can feel you near.  He or she can keep the paper sentiment in a pocket during the school day.

• Tie a short piece of satin on your child’s belt loop so he or she can rub it when feeling nervous. The texture is very soothing and calming to stroke.

Have your child bring a transitional object (blanket or stuffie) to school and keep in the backpack until rest time. After rest time, please remind your child to return the objects to the cubby for safe keeping and to make sure that the object returns home at the end of the day.

• Clearly state to your child when you or another adult will be back to pick him or her up.  Set the stage for what the afternoon plan will be when you are reunited. 

• Establish a clear goodbye routine. This includes letting your child know when you are leaving and what will happen.  For example, “In a few minutes I will be leaving for work.  This is a 3 minute warning.  When it is time for me to go, I’ll give you a hug and kiss.  Would you like to go to the goodbye window or say goodbye at the door?”  

• Please remember to follow through and always say goodbye. 

• Trust is very important!

• Ask your child’s teacher if you can call the office to check on your child.

Jo-ANNE DeGIACOMO PETRIE is director of the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center.