Coping With Back-to-School Jitters
Going to school for the first time is a BIG DEAL and can be totally overwhelming for your little scholar (and YOU too, moms and dads!). To ease everyone's first day of school jitters, here are some tips from ParentsConnect members on how to make your kid's first day of school as smooth as your baby's bottom the day he was born. (OK, stop getting all misty-eyed again!)
Get Them Talking
The more expressive your kids are, the better you'll understand what they're going through when you're not around.
"I make sure that we talk about their day. I do this before starting school (after day care or after time with a babysitter), so that when they do start school, they're used to sharing what has happened." -Jill
"I make sure that we talk about their day. I do this before starting school (after day care or after time with a babysitter), so that when they do start school, they're used to sharing what has happened." -Jill
Boost their Brains
OK, so your tot isn't taking the SAT yet, but it doesn't hurt to get her familiar with some of the concepts she'll be learning in the classroom soon.
"Throughout the summer we continue reviewing what they already learned last year and we visit the local library for new books to read. About one or two weeks before school starts, we get back into going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. This really does help." -M.
"Throughout the summer we continue reviewing what they already learned last year and we visit the local library for new books to read. About one or two weeks before school starts, we get back into going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. This really does help." -M.
Go Shopping
Remember the thrill of getting new Lisa Frank folders and (if you're old) Trapper Keepers?
"My mom always planned a special 'mommy-and-me' back-to-school outing. We went out just the two of us (my dad took my brother separately) and spent and entire day getting ready for school. We picked out school supplies (and a back-to-school outfit or two), had lunch at the park, and talked about our goals and expectations for the school year. It was a wonderful way to start the school year off right and I still treasure the memories." -Flaca
"My mom always planned a special 'mommy-and-me' back-to-school outing. We went out just the two of us (my dad took my brother separately) and spent and entire day getting ready for school. We picked out school supplies (and a back-to-school outfit or two), had lunch at the park, and talked about our goals and expectations for the school year. It was a wonderful way to start the school year off right and I still treasure the memories." -Flaca
Do a Trial Run
Kids don't know what a daily grind is yet.
"To get my kids (ages 5 and 3) ready for the schedule, I have them do a rough version of the school schedule with 'Mama School.' This way they know what to expect. We make it fun so (hopefully) everyone will be excited for school." -Michele
"To get my kids (ages 5 and 3) ready for the schedule, I have them do a rough version of the school schedule with 'Mama School.' This way they know what to expect. We make it fun so (hopefully) everyone will be excited for school." -Michele
Scope out the Scene
E.T. will be less likely to phone home if he knows where he's at.
"I took my daughter to her new school a number of different times throughout the year. We went to register and to check out the playground. We went another time for a tour. We even went back to pick up her uniforms a different day. Now we are going back to meet the teacher this week. I think visiting many times before the first day of school will help her to feel a little more familiar with her new school and a little more comfortable the first day." -M.
"I took my daughter to her new school a number of different times throughout the year. We went to register and to check out the playground. We went another time for a tour. We even went back to pick up her uniforms a different day. Now we are going back to meet the teacher this week. I think visiting many times before the first day of school will help her to feel a little more familiar with her new school and a little more comfortable the first day." -M.
Go on Jitter Patrol
Let your kids knock their socks off so they putter out at a reasonable hour. (The last person you want to deal with on the first day is Mr. Cranky Pants.)
"My daughters are so excited for the first day of school that they haven't been able to sleep in past years. Now, we have a big play date with their friends planned for the day before school. It will involve a lot of playtime outside, i.e., bikes, hopscotch, hide-and-seek. Then a good supper, getting their back-to-school gear together, a bath and off to bed." -Amy
"My daughters are so excited for the first day of school that they haven't been able to sleep in past years. Now, we have a big play date with their friends planned for the day before school. It will involve a lot of playtime outside, i.e., bikes, hopscotch, hide-and-seek. Then a good supper, getting their back-to-school gear together, a bath and off to bed." -Amy
Pass Them a Note
Just write a little note to say "I love you."
"I decided to write some kind of note to my son in his lunch. Finally on his third day of 1st grade, he told me he likes it best when I finish them with a smiley face!" -It's said that luck favors the prepared.
"One mistake I made last year: I took my youngest to class first so she saw me and her sister leaving. She thought we were leaving here there and she cried her heart out. So, I say leave older ones first and smaller ones last!" -Hilary
"I decided to write some kind of note to my son in his lunch. Finally on his third day of 1st grade, he told me he likes it best when I finish them with a smiley face!" -It's said that luck favors the prepared.
"One mistake I made last year: I took my youngest to class first so she saw me and her sister leaving. She thought we were leaving here there and she cried her heart out. So, I say leave older ones first and smaller ones last!" -Hilary
Hold Back the Tears
Kids, like dogs, can sense fear.
"Do your best to let them know it's fun. Let them pick out stuff they want to bring with them, and don't cry in front of them. (Also, try to steer them away from other crying children. Once one cries they all start crying.)" -Audrey
"Do your best to let them know it's fun. Let them pick out stuff they want to bring with them, and don't cry in front of them. (Also, try to steer them away from other crying children. Once one cries they all start crying.)" -Audrey
Tell us: How do you get your kid ready for the first day of school?
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