How to Prepare Your Child For School
The first day of school is a big deal for a child. For some children, this will be the first time that they are separated from their mothers for several hours in a day. Your child might not know any kids in his class, which can be scary. When the child does not know what to expect, he can fill in the blanks with all sorts of daunting ideas. Here is how to prepare your child for school.
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Instructions
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Develop a positive attitude about your child going to school. Children are very much attuned to the attitudes of their parents. If you are worried that your child is going to have a terrible first day of school, then your attitude is going to feed your child's insecurities. Develop confidence that your child is going to be just fine, and exude that confidence when you talk with your child about school.
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Talk about your happy school memories. Tell your child the things that you enjoyed about school. Even if school was not a pleasant experience for you, you likely had some things that you enjoyed, such as eating lunch with your friends. Talking about your happy memories gives your child something to which he can look forward.
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Attend Open House with your child. Most schools hold an Open House before the school year begins so the families can meet the teachers. Open House is a wonderful opportunity for your child to become familiar with the teacher and the classroom. Your child will also meet other children so he will know someone on the first day of school.
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Arrange a play date with a fellow student. If you are able to find out the names of some of the other children in your child's class before school starts, call the parents and arrange a play date. Knowing another child in the class can go a long way toward alleviating your child's fears.
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Bring your child along for back-to-school shopping. Buying school supplies can be an exciting time for your child and can build anticipation for the start of school. Allow your child to select her own book bag and lunch box to help her buy into the idea of school being a good thing.
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Start adjusting to the school schedule at least one week before school begins. Many elementary schools start the day early, which can be a challenge for children who are used to sleeping in late. For at least one week before school starts, awaken your child at the time that he will need to arise for school. If you can find out the child's school lunch schedule, start feeding your child in line with his school meal schedule.
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Answer your child's questions. Ask your child how he feels about starting school, and then answer any questions that he might have about the experience. You might be surprised by the issues that are the most concerning to your child.
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Tips & Warnings
Your attitude will go a long way toward setting the tone of your child's first day of school. If you are confident that your child will have a good first day, then your child will feel more confident herself. The best thing you can do to prepare your child for school is to believe that she is going to be just fine.
- Photo Credit (c) Lynda Bernhardt
