Back to school is just around the corner. For many, it will be the first day of Kindergarten and will be somewhat of change from pre-school or day care. Although my daughter was in day care, I thought she would used to separating from me but I did not realize what a momentous occasion it was to go to the big school for the first time and how traumatic it would be for both us. Luckily for me, I held in the happy tears so my daughter’s would not see it and hold it together. I love that our school made the transition easier by allowing kindergarten parents up into their room as opposed to the school door drop 0ff.
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 her the freedom to choose those gaudy, pink, sparkly shoes she loves or an adorable new dress or girly girly tutu from Children’s Place. Tell her that she can wear them to school and show them off there. Getting your child involved in picking out their own school supplies, backpack and clothes will help her mentally prepare for school. Try Make It Mine! , a new customizable school pencil case by RoseArt and for school supplies and back packs, head to Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Staples.
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
If they can, let them pick out their first day outfit and help with filling the backpack.
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 supportive about the day. The last thing you want to do is to be rushing around on the first day. Calm and collected is the words of the day.
6. Don’t Linger and Say Goodbye
This is the tough part. So many moms, linger until the teacher kicks them out and act like it’s the last time you will see your kid. You have to be strong and it will heart-breaking — leaving your precious, screaming, teary eyed child at school. Give her a hug, kiss and a big smile at the classroom door. Wave goodbye and walk away. Don’t show any hesitation because, if she sees your uncertainty, it’ll make her uncertain about staying there.
7. Block the time and avoid doing anything after school
Don’t plan on doing anything after school except devoting the time so you can chat with your child about how the day went. Ask questions about her day, her classmates, her teacher. Talk about how interesting her details were and be enthusiastic and supportive, no matter the responses.
Okay, I almost got choked up reading this post (although I know it was supposed to have the opposite effect, lol). Even though this is a few years away for me, I already know im going to be a basket case. Kindegarten is a HUGE step! Aww!
Great tips!!!
Hang in there, kindergarten is a tough year.
Also, see if your child’s school has a tour or orientation day that the child can attend either the year before or over the summer. Maybe they would be able to meet the teacher at that time too. It will help them feel more comfortable to already know the school where they will go.