Last week I was standing in the queue at the chemist and noticed the bottle of Rescue Remedy next to the till. This made me think of that time 12 years ago, when my first child started school. With no Rescue Remedy at the time, we made the best of those stressful first few days.
Here are five tips to help you through it!
1. Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Stick to your bedtime routine and get everyone into bed on time. A tired child cannot concentrate and control his or her emotions as well as a rested child. Make sure you have everything ready before hand. Prepare your little one properly - discuss what can be expected every part of the school day - talk about possible pitfalls - "How do I ask the teacher if I need something?. How do I listen, so that my teacher knows that I'm listening?. How do I control my emotions when I miss my mommy too much? What do I do if I get overwhelmed?"
Remember to pack that clean change of underwear. Make sure that the school clothes and stationery are organized, and your child arrives at school on time.
2. Whatever happens - stay calm!!
3. Make sure that there is a form of protein in the lunchbox - and teach your little one that protein stabilizes the blood sugar levels and help one concentrate better, for a longer time. Teach your child that water is important to keep the body well hydrated and performing at its best.
4. Don't linger at the classroom door or gate when you drop off your big boy/girl - it is much easier for them to gather themselves once you are out of sight. (Even if the tears start flowing).
5. Trust them and tell them, that you know that they will be fine, even though it will be hard at first knowing that change is always hard.When you do the drop off, be firm, calm and encouraging: "I love you, I will be here to fetch you when school is finished, I know you'll be fine with your lovely teacher, Good bye, see you later..." Once you are out of the school grounds, you can safely shed a tear of pride. Have coffee with a friend or find someone to give you a word of comfort!
Good luck for the big day.
Carina van Vuuren
Educational Psychologistc@absamail.co.zahttp://www.exceptional-living.co.za
084 563 8334
011 431 3676 (telefax)
Here are five tips to help you through it!
1. Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Stick to your bedtime routine and get everyone into bed on time. A tired child cannot concentrate and control his or her emotions as well as a rested child. Make sure you have everything ready before hand. Prepare your little one properly - discuss what can be expected every part of the school day - talk about possible pitfalls - "How do I ask the teacher if I need something?. How do I listen, so that my teacher knows that I'm listening?. How do I control my emotions when I miss my mommy too much? What do I do if I get overwhelmed?"
Remember to pack that clean change of underwear. Make sure that the school clothes and stationery are organized, and your child arrives at school on time.
2. Whatever happens - stay calm!!
3. Make sure that there is a form of protein in the lunchbox - and teach your little one that protein stabilizes the blood sugar levels and help one concentrate better, for a longer time. Teach your child that water is important to keep the body well hydrated and performing at its best.
4. Don't linger at the classroom door or gate when you drop off your big boy/girl - it is much easier for them to gather themselves once you are out of sight. (Even if the tears start flowing).
5. Trust them and tell them, that you know that they will be fine, even though it will be hard at first knowing that change is always hard.When you do the drop off, be firm, calm and encouraging: "I love you, I will be here to fetch you when school is finished, I know you'll be fine with your lovely teacher, Good bye, see you later..." Once you are out of the school grounds, you can safely shed a tear of pride. Have coffee with a friend or find someone to give you a word of comfort!
Good luck for the big day.
Carina van Vuuren
Educational Psychologistc@absamail.co.zahttp://www.exceptional-living.co.za
084 563 8334
011 431 3676 (telefax)