Off to a Good Start
Do you remember your first day of preschool or kindergarten?
You were probably nervous, excited-and a bit lonely or lost when mom or dad left. Even when returning to a familiar setting after a long summer vacation, children usually feel a bit intimidated.
There are new kids in the group and maybe a favorite friend is gone. It’s a big deal!
We want to do everything we can to make your child’s beginning or return here as happy as possible. You may want to read your child a few books with a starting school theme. Such stories can help your child get in touch with her feelings about going into a new situation and separating from you. Reading also gives your child an opportunity to talk about feelings or ask questions about what to expect. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is one of our favorites.
A quiet conversation, kind of a rehearsal about the way it's going to go on the first day often allows your child the opportunity to express his/her feelings and fears. "When we get up we will have breakfast- then get dressed, - you can pick what to wear - and we will drive this way and then we will come to the school house and your teachers will be waiting." Do not say this all in one breath, pause and provide quiet moments for your child to respond.
Children may bring their blankets, their teddy bears, or security item to the school if it will help them feel closer to home.
On the first few days, give yourself enough time when you bring your child in to spend a little time at the school with him/her. If at all possible stay with your child until he/she is comfortable. If you can do that, please do. That DOES NOT mean that you should cling to your child. A child can always sense your uncertainty – give your child space, stay close and be available but do not cling.
When you know it is time you left, be very clear when talking to your child: "I will be back after storytime…” Do not turn around and come back at the first whimper! Your uncertainty will make separation more difficult. If we sense that your child is ready and the parent is not, we will encourage you to go. We promise to call if it is really difficult for your child….Finally, do not sneak out when your child isn’t looking. Children need to know when you’re leaving, that you WILL be coming back and be able to say goodbye to you.
Working together we can be sure your child is off to a good start!
You were probably nervous, excited-and a bit lonely or lost when mom or dad left. Even when returning to a familiar setting after a long summer vacation, children usually feel a bit intimidated.
There are new kids in the group and maybe a favorite friend is gone. It’s a big deal!
We want to do everything we can to make your child’s beginning or return here as happy as possible. You may want to read your child a few books with a starting school theme. Such stories can help your child get in touch with her feelings about going into a new situation and separating from you. Reading also gives your child an opportunity to talk about feelings or ask questions about what to expect. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is one of our favorites.
A quiet conversation, kind of a rehearsal about the way it's going to go on the first day often allows your child the opportunity to express his/her feelings and fears. "When we get up we will have breakfast- then get dressed, - you can pick what to wear - and we will drive this way and then we will come to the school house and your teachers will be waiting." Do not say this all in one breath, pause and provide quiet moments for your child to respond.
Children may bring their blankets, their teddy bears, or security item to the school if it will help them feel closer to home.
On the first few days, give yourself enough time when you bring your child in to spend a little time at the school with him/her. If at all possible stay with your child until he/she is comfortable. If you can do that, please do. That DOES NOT mean that you should cling to your child. A child can always sense your uncertainty – give your child space, stay close and be available but do not cling.
When you know it is time you left, be very clear when talking to your child: "I will be back after storytime…” Do not turn around and come back at the first whimper! Your uncertainty will make separation more difficult. If we sense that your child is ready and the parent is not, we will encourage you to go. We promise to call if it is really difficult for your child….Finally, do not sneak out when your child isn’t looking. Children need to know when you’re leaving, that you WILL be coming back and be able to say goodbye to you.
Working together we can be sure your child is off to a good start!