The first day of school can be both an exciting as well as stressful for children and parents alike. Exciting because it's a milestone, stressful because it means separation. I remember I was almost in tears when i had to leave my daughter at her first day at pre-school and guess what when i arrived to pick her up the tears were back again but this time for happiness. Likewise in most families the separation is acompanied with tears. Preparation - yours and your child's for a smooth transition for the new adventure
- Start Early: breaking the bond with your child could be painful even if it has to be for a few hours -- it can be a traumatic experience, particularly for a toddler. Experts say that until the age of three, children are usually unable to retain a mental picture or understand the concept of time. When your child can't see you, he or she might assume you're gone forever. Even a slightly older child may experience fear in your absence.
Start early to help your child adjust to your occasional absences. Gradually increase the number and length of visits with relatives, friends and other caregivers to improve your child's comfort level with those outside your immediate family. - Laying the Foundation: School is just one of many new situations your child will have to face in life, help your child see change as a challenge. Be sure to concentrate on all aspects of development-emotional, social, physical and intellectual.
- Are You Both Ready? First, ask yourself how you're feeling about this milestone in your child's life. If you're experiencing fear and anxiety, try not to communicate this uneasiness to your child. Attend meetings and activities at the school or set up brief meetings with the principal and teachers. And once you believe school is going to be an exciting experience, there's a good chance your child will feel the same way.
Just because your child knows colors, shapes or letters doesn't necessarily mean he or she is ready for school. - The Big Day: Tell your child in advance that he or she soon will be going to school. Be positive and reassure your child that school is a good place.Prepare the night before by planning meals, clothes and transportation. Consider riding the bus with your child the first day. Let your child bring a security object to school, like a stuffed toy, or give your child your photo to keep.
- Don't be too concerned if, in spite of your best efforts, your child cries and refuses to leave your side the first day of school while another youngster dismisses his or her parent with a wave of the lunch box. Clinging and crying are healthy coping mechanisms in very young children, so try not to overreact. Gradually lessen the amount of time you stay, but don't sneak out when you leave; it may make your child feel abandoned and unloved.
- Encourage a Love of Learning
Your job doesn't end once that first school bell rings. Learning is a lifelong process, and there are many ways you can help your child succeed, both in and out of school.
Teach your child that learning is not confined to school and that every new experience broadens life.
Always be positive. Don't set your child up for negative attitudes by saying how much you hated school or a particular subject. If there are older siblings, talk to them about conveying a positive attitude about school to their younger brother or sister. - Read to your child.
Set a good example yourself by reading more than you watch television. Show your child how books, magazines, newspapers, computers and other learning tools help you in your daily life. - Ask your child's opinions: Encourage family discussions and critical thinking. Attend meetings and school activities. Visit the library routinely. Also schedule trips to museums, galleries, science centers, zoos, etc.
- Ask questions about school and pay attention to the answers - verbal and nonverbal.
Remember, not all children will enter school with complete comfort. Starting school is one of the earliest and most challenging goodbyes between a child and parent. But successfully mastering this new challenge can increase a child's feeling of self-confidence and security. It can also strengthen a child's emotional health, which is as important as physical health.
