Tips for the First Day of School

Here are some things that every mom or dad can consider when they are preparing their little one for that first journey to school:

• Describe the school experience to your kids - what happens there and what they can expect. The most fearful thing is the unknown and the more you can demystify it for them, the less their fear will be.
• Be sure to tell them that the fear or apprehension that they have is normal. Telling your child that they having nothing to worry about in a glib way will only make their fears worse. Remind them that the other kids will be feeling the same.
• Try to organize a trip to the school ahead of time if you can to let them get acquainted with the surroundings and what they can expect to see.
• In the weeks leading up to the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, try to spend as much time with your little one as you can. It will make them feel comforted.
• Take the time to start giving your child a routine similar to the one that he or she will be experiencing in school such as a set lunch time, play time etc. It will be less of a shock to the system when they start into the school routine for the first time.
• Spend time after each school day asking your child about what they did that day. It will help them to feel as though you are involved in the process.

By Chris Giardino