Recently our the new school year started at our Early Childhood Education Center. Many new families joined us, as well as children moved up in classrooms. It is interesting to observe during drop off times, especially on 'first days.' There is always a lot of excitement and nervousness all at the same time. To be honest...it seems much harder for the parent than the child.
Each child is different. Some are ready to socialize and enjoy new environments; with new toys and fun things to do, while others are more hesitant. Also if you have stayed home with your child for a while; it could be harder for both of you to separate. There are ages that are harder for a child to separate as well. These are about 9months and 18month. This tends to be a phase that will pass overtime.
I have also seen that many times a child might cry for the benefit of the parent and as soon as they are out of sight, the child is happy and playing (nice of them).
Here are a few suggestion for a smooth transition in dropping off your child at school (you may need to adapt some of these suggestions depending on their age):
1. Talk to them about going to school for a couple of weeks before they go. Always use positive words and talk about all the exciting things they might do.
2. Take the child to visit the school before they go. This will give them a picture of what it looks like as well giving them a sense of familiarity.
3. Bring all supplies and paperwork to the school ahead of time so on the first day you can concentrate on your child and not feel so overwhelmed.
4. When taking your child to school for the first day; if you decided to stay with your child; try to limit it to 30 minutes. We have found if you stay longer the child might a get the sense that you are always going to be with them at school. This can make it harder and more confusing for them when you do leave. (please note: we do have an open door policy at our school and you are welcome to come and go and you please)
4. Read the story The Kissing Hand to your child or other books about going to school.
5. Say goodbye to your child at the door; sneaking away when they are happy does not always benefit you in the future. We have windows on our doors where it is nice to touch hands through the window and say goodbye or through the gate at the playground.
6. Remind your child that you will be back to get them; or if someone else is getting them, let them know that too.
7. Make your goodbye short and sweet. Lingering most of the time does not help anything.
8. If your child seems upset, you can always hand them straight to a teacher who will comfort them as you leave until they are ready to play.
9. Drop off at the same time each day when possible.
10. You can feel free to call any time and check up on your child for you peace of mind.
11. Talk about their day after school. Don't be surprised if they don't share much with you; use their 'my day' reports or their weekly letters to talk with them about what they did or what they might be doing.
I always tell parents that the first two days of dropping off your child is the hardest and then it is down hill from there. Just wait until you have the opposite problem and you can't get your child to go home because they are having so much fun; it will happen!
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