Back To School

Back To School

First Day at School? Are you afraid your child will have the First Day Of School Blues? Better prepare ahead! When you're a little kid and suddenly placed in a huge building—it’s scary! Then you’re told you have to stay there all day! The first day of school for a little one is their trek into a brand new world. They're not at home anymore, mom and dad are missing from the scene, and their classroom is full of new faces. Standing before them is one or two adults telling them what they should and shouldn't do for the rest of the day.

How to Make First School Days Happier:

Prepare your child before the first day by taking him or her to meet the teacher, and visit the classroom they will be assigned to. It is also a good idea to visit the library.

Play school before your child starts, by pretending you are the teacher and they are the student. Have them help pack their lunch, lay out clothes and shoes for the next day, and prepare their backpack.

Get your child familiar with being around other children such as in Sunday School, playgrounds, clubs, parks, libraries, etc.

If you work during the day, you can take your child to the school in the evenings, and let them get familiar with the grounds. They can play on the swingset, or walk around on the grounds, walk up to their classroom or peek inside the cafeteria.

If at all possible get involved with your child's classroom by volunteering to help with parties, trips, picnics, etc.

Explain to your child they will have to ask permission to go to the bathroom.

Make sure they know to hang up their coat, scarves and backpacks.

By planning ahead with your child their first day of school will be less freighting, and more familiar, and you will feel much better about leaving them behind. At the end of the day make sure you ask them how their first day of school went. Always ask questions, and be interested in any activities they tell you about.

Make a downright big deal over the papers they bring home. Brag on them and hang them up on the refrigerator, walls, doors, etc. Parents who take special interest in their child's schoolwork, classes, and activities produce children who have a positive outlook throughout the school years, and their entire adult life. And that is something you as a parent can be proud of for the rest of your life.