Your child’s first day at school can be unnerving for many parents. A main source of anxiety for parent and child alike, there can be a whole number of issues that arise on this very important day. But what can you do to better prepare your child and help them to feel confident in tackling the world?

Talk about it

Make sure you talk about it. Share happy memories from when you were at school, read them stories about starting ‘big school’ and keep an open flow of communication about what it will be like, what to expect and emphasise that they don’t need to worry.

The more you talk about their first day at school, the less nervous they will feel and this should hopefully encourage a more amicable drop off with very little tears.

Make it easier

It may be easier for you to create a packed lunch using a carton of juice and one of those wax covered cheeses, but don’t go introducing anything new, or something they can’t open on their own. Try and make their day as easy as possible by sticking to what they know. There’s plenty of time to introduce new things later.

Scout the school first

Driving by the school and taking a look at it in preparation can help them to picture where exactly it is they’ll be going, and it will also make the concept less daunting. It’s likely to be reassuring for them to see the playground and the big field where they can play football at break.

Make friends before the big day

If you know of other kids that will be starting at the same time as your child, then arrange playdates throughout the summer so they can get to know each other. Their first day at school will be a lot less intimidating if there are a few friendly faces in the crowd.

If they know they’re going to see their friends, the whole day is going to be a lot less daunting. And when it comes to getting them in the classroom, the likelihood is that they’ll rush of to play with the kids they already know.

Teach them key skills

It’s important you teach them key skills, such as:

• How to get dressed
• How to open a carton of juice
• How to go to the toilet
• How to ask that they need to go to the toilet
• How to go to the toilet even if they don’t feel like they need to

Preparing them with these types of key skills will help to avoid embarrassment and give them a little boost in confidence.

Don’t pass on anxieties

You may have your own set of anxieties and worries, but it’s really important that you don’t pass these on to your child. They’re likely to have their own reservations already and the last thing they need is for you to add to them or give the impression that their first day is something to worry about.

Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/starting-school/?
http://www.thejournal.ie/tips-for-parents-on-first-day-of-school-574162-Aug2012/
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2017/08/17/starting-school-preparing-your-child-for-the-first-day-at-school_n_7386390.html

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