Getting Ready For September
It is hard to believe but September is just around the corner. I love the beginning of the school year but my children would stay in summer vacation mode for eternity, (although they start to crave structure about this time of year, they just don't realize it yet!) Summer vacation, in our house, is pretty relaxed. Everyone has daily jobs and expectations, but it's pretty loose as far as scheduling and structure. We do some camps in July, but mostly my kids are free to get together with friends, play games poolside, visit family etc. Then August 1st comes around and I go into back to school mode, craving routine and structure once again, and they do too! Don't get me wrong, I love leisurely drinking my coffee in the morning, sitting on the porch ( I am right now) working, spending time with my children, going on day trips, but we all function much better with a routine and September brings that much needed change.
Most of you reading this will have younger children and your routines may not be changed due to summer except for the occasional vacation, but you will want to start preparing your child for school. Keep it positive! This might be the first time your child will not be in your care or a family members and although this might make you anxious, try not to let your child see or feel that. Let them help pick out their school bags or lunch boxes. Make them a part of the process. You will also want to talk about what to expect when you drop them off. Tell them the routine. "when your teacher comes to get you at the car I will give you a big hug and a kiss, then I will be back after story time", for example. Then the most important part, stick to the plan. This makes the transition much easier for everyone. I always tell my students parents that "no news is good news". Remember that your child's teacher is trained to handle these situations and has a class of children all going through the same thing. If you have questions or concerns talk them over with your child's teacher and the 2 of you can come up with a plan that works for both of you. Some schools are stricter than others regarding drop off and pick up but letting the teacher know your concerns will help ease the transition.
Some other helpful tips that parents have shared with me is taking a picture of your child and their teacher and posting it on your refrigerator at home. Throughout the summer your child will become familiar with what their teacher looks like. Also a couple family photos in their bags that they can sneak a peek of throughout the day may be helpful. I do caution that this can also be upsetting to children so use with caution. We also like to take pictures of our students and send them to parents throughout the day. Ask if this is an option at your school.
Children strive on structure and routine. This does not mean that you have to be on a strict schedule at home, but rather informing your child of what to expect and keeping to basic guidelines throughout the days. My teenagers still thrive routine, as do I. There is a delicate balance between flexibility and routine and you must find what works for your family. September is a time full of excitement, anxiety and new beginnings. Children young and old use us, as parents, as their guides to new situations. How we approach situations and opportunities play a significant role in how our children react to these situations as well.
Most of you reading this will have younger children and your routines may not be changed due to summer except for the occasional vacation, but you will want to start preparing your child for school. Keep it positive! This might be the first time your child will not be in your care or a family members and although this might make you anxious, try not to let your child see or feel that. Let them help pick out their school bags or lunch boxes. Make them a part of the process. You will also want to talk about what to expect when you drop them off. Tell them the routine. "when your teacher comes to get you at the car I will give you a big hug and a kiss, then I will be back after story time", for example. Then the most important part, stick to the plan. This makes the transition much easier for everyone. I always tell my students parents that "no news is good news". Remember that your child's teacher is trained to handle these situations and has a class of children all going through the same thing. If you have questions or concerns talk them over with your child's teacher and the 2 of you can come up with a plan that works for both of you. Some schools are stricter than others regarding drop off and pick up but letting the teacher know your concerns will help ease the transition.
Some other helpful tips that parents have shared with me is taking a picture of your child and their teacher and posting it on your refrigerator at home. Throughout the summer your child will become familiar with what their teacher looks like. Also a couple family photos in their bags that they can sneak a peek of throughout the day may be helpful. I do caution that this can also be upsetting to children so use with caution. We also like to take pictures of our students and send them to parents throughout the day. Ask if this is an option at your school.
Children strive on structure and routine. This does not mean that you have to be on a strict schedule at home, but rather informing your child of what to expect and keeping to basic guidelines throughout the days. My teenagers still thrive routine, as do I. There is a delicate balance between flexibility and routine and you must find what works for your family. September is a time full of excitement, anxiety and new beginnings. Children young and old use us, as parents, as their guides to new situations. How we approach situations and opportunities play a significant role in how our children react to these situations as well.
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