Back to school is just around the corner. For many, it will be the first day of Kindergarten and will be somewhat of a change from pre-school or day care. Of course, my daughter will be starting middle school this Fall which has it’s own set of issues, I remember vividly the first day of Kindergarten and the anxiety we both felt that day and I am sure you are going to have the same feelings. To help make a smooth transition into the school year, here are 7 tips on how to survive the first day of school.
1. Go shopping with your child to pick out the first day outfit and school supplies.
Give them the freedom to choose those gaudy, pink, sparkly shoes she loves or an adorable new dress or girly girly tutu or a Marvel Super Heroes T-shirt. Getting your child involved in picking out their own clothes will help them mentally prepare for school.
2. Prep the night before with your child
Have a pre-first day celebration by letting your child pick out their outfit, get their back pack together and lay out their lunch box.
3. Read a book related to beginning Kindergarten.
As part of your night time routine, make a point of reading a a book dedicated to starting kindergarten and leave time for you to talk about how wonderful the first day will be. A friend gave my daughter, The Night Before Kindergarten (Julie Durrell) to read. It was a great way to talk about her day as a kindergartner and of course, the book makes a touching memento of that day.
4. Let them get ready on their own
Lay out their clothes the night before and let them get dressed on their own, with a little help. It shows they are big kids now going to big kids school.
5. Leave a little early so you can chat on the way to school.
This is the perfect time to bond and reinforce how amazing their day is going to be. It’s also a chance for you to calm their last minute jitters and be supportive about the day. The last thing you want to do is to be rushing around on the first day. Calm and collected that’s what you want to be.
6. Don’t Linger and Say Goodbye
Stay as long as you can but don’t linger. A big, big hug and kisses but of course try not to cry. Big Smiles and leave.
7. Block the time and avoid doing anything after school
Don’t plan on doing anything after school, so you can chat with your child about how the day went. Be enthusiastic and supportive regardless of their responses.
These are great tips! I think giving your child their sense of freedom of picking out their own clothes before the big day is such a big help. It gives them responsibility.