Successful Transitions
You are a couple weeks into the new school year and your child was excited at first, but now is upset, crying, apprehensive, etc. What happened? I like to think of the first couple days/weeks as the honeymoon period. Everything is new and exciting. For older students the expectations are less in the beginning of the year. Fast forward a few days/weeks and now "reality has set in", the honeymoon is over.
This phase will too pass and your child will become normalized to the routines and expectations of their school program. Consistency at home and at school is a key component to their success. If you have concerns don't hesitate to speak to their teacher/child care provider.
Tips on making a positive school transition
*Keep a consistent morning routine. There is safety in knowing what comes next.
*Tell your child what to expect at drop off and follow thru. Teachers and child care providers expect to handle some tears and anxieties. Ask how they will let you know your child has calmed down.
For example: I will walk you to the door and give you 1 hug and 1 kiss then I will go to work.
*Be positive and try not to let your child see your anxieties or fears. They need to see and feel that you believe you are leaving them with a safe and loving person.
When to be concerned
*Crying does not lesson during their time at school.
*Your child is unable to follow the day/class routines
Make sure to have an open and continuous conversation with your child's teacher. If over the course of a couple weeks, your child is not showing signs of normalizing, a conference should be requested with their teacher. Your child's teacher may have questions for you regarding morning routines, sleep scheudles etc. This information is very helpful in formulating a plan of action to aid in your child's success at school. You should ask how the teacher/school handles crying children or children having difficulty transitioning in class and what they suggest for a plan of action specific to your child's needs.
Remember that some crying, worry, apprehension etc. can be a normal part of the process. Our job should not be to make everything perfect for our children, but to help them become confident and feel secure when faced with unknown circumstances and feelings.
Here are some great books to share and read with your child.
This phase will too pass and your child will become normalized to the routines and expectations of their school program. Consistency at home and at school is a key component to their success. If you have concerns don't hesitate to speak to their teacher/child care provider.
Tips on making a positive school transition
*Keep a consistent morning routine. There is safety in knowing what comes next.
*Tell your child what to expect at drop off and follow thru. Teachers and child care providers expect to handle some tears and anxieties. Ask how they will let you know your child has calmed down.
For example: I will walk you to the door and give you 1 hug and 1 kiss then I will go to work.
*Be positive and try not to let your child see your anxieties or fears. They need to see and feel that you believe you are leaving them with a safe and loving person.
When to be concerned
*Crying does not lesson during their time at school.
*Your child is unable to follow the day/class routines
Make sure to have an open and continuous conversation with your child's teacher. If over the course of a couple weeks, your child is not showing signs of normalizing, a conference should be requested with their teacher. Your child's teacher may have questions for you regarding morning routines, sleep scheudles etc. This information is very helpful in formulating a plan of action to aid in your child's success at school. You should ask how the teacher/school handles crying children or children having difficulty transitioning in class and what they suggest for a plan of action specific to your child's needs.
Remember that some crying, worry, apprehension etc. can be a normal part of the process. Our job should not be to make everything perfect for our children, but to help them become confident and feel secure when faced with unknown circumstances and feelings.
Here are some great books to share and read with your child.
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