The approach of the new school year can be a stressful and scary time, not just for the child, but also for their parents. Whether you are dropping your child off for their first day of preschool or watching your teen drive to school for their last first day of school. As you gather all the supplies on the back to school list and make sure shoes and clothes fit, remember these six tips to help alleviate some of the stress. And know that you are not alone.
1. Remember all children are different
It is important to remember all children are different and they all handle new situations differently. Some kids will be totally fine with school, they will wave goodbye and not even turn back. Other kids will be crying and clinging to you for dear life. While others may go about their day as if it were normal and when they get home they might begin to act out. All of these are ok responses to the beginning of the school year. Remember that although your child seems ok, they still miss you. Or there will come a day when your crying child will walk confidently into the classroom. (They might be in the 5th grade…that is ok too) And if you kid seems fine during the day but acts out at home, as soon as they get back into a routine that behavior will likely end.
2. It is OK to cry
It is ok if your child cries and it is ok if you cry. This is a scary time for everyone. It is difficult to let your children go into a world you are not a part of. But it is a good and important world they are going into. It is ok if you don’t cry too. Remember tip one? That applies to parents too.
3. Teachers usually know what they are doing
180 days a year teacher work with your children. We as parents might not always agree with their methods or rules. That is ok, but try your best to understand why your child’s teacher is working that way. It might be in the best interest of your child to follow what the teacher says. (However, if you ever feel that your child is not safe…speak up)
4. Take interest in your child's day
Children don’t always share openly how their days went, but they do like when you are interested. Some kids cannot process the whole day into a few sentences to tell you about it. Ask direct questions. Who did you play with at recess? What games did you play? What did you really like about the reading lesson today? What was the most difficult thing you had to do today?
5. Treat yourself
Maybe you have time for a mani-pedi or maybe you can grab a quick cup of coffee. Get a new lipstick, shirt or a pen. Do something small for yourself. You have successfully kept your child alive through the summer or until they have reached school age. You deserve a treat.
6. Take a family photo
If you can’t get the whole family together then just make sure you take a photo with your child. You don’t need a fancy board from etsy saying your kid likes to eat popcorn and read Hop On Pop. Just a photo with your child to show that this is an important day for you too.
