If your child is enrolling in a new gan, or to first grade, this is for you!!!
I compiled 4 tips for “the big start”:
1. START COUNTING BACKWARD - Acknowledge this is the last week of the holiday. Tell your child this is the last week before we go back (or start) school / kindergarten. Ask her: Is there anything we still wish to do during the holiday? Something we haven’t done yet…? Maybe we could plan something together, as a family, to celebrate? From today onwards, tell your child every day, how many days are left, before the big start.
2. RESTORE A SENSE OF CONTROL - New beginnings, changes and transitions are a sensitive time, because they contain a lot of unknown, a loss of control, and thus, can cause insecurity. Empower your child in this new beginning by giving her all the information you can. Tell her about the new place she is going to, go and visit the school / kindergarten, what’s the teacher’s name, who are the children that will be in the class, try to meet them (if possible), what will the day / schedule look like, who is going to drop and fetch her, etc. Let you child choose and organize her new bag and equipment… Make your child a full partner in this process! Remember – the more information you give your child, the more she will feel in control, the easier it will be to embrace this change.
3. ESTABLISH TRUST
The message of trust is twofold:
a. Trust your child - Tell your child how much you trust and truly believe in her, that she is capable and strong! Help her believe in herself and acknowledge her strengths.
b. Trust the staff - Show the teacher, and the staff, how much you trust them. They really need you to believe in them! Never speak badly of the teacher in front of your child, for you are creating an internal conflict of loyalty in your child.
Remember that children adapt extremely easily, and most of them will fit in the new environment, just like they have always been there, in very little time!!!! And for those it will take a little longer, just breath, be patient, believe and trust your child’s ability to go through change.
4. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH - Transitions are a vulnerable time. So dear parents, in the first few weeks, be available for your child - surround her with a lot of love, empathy and encouragement. There is a reason to be happy and optimistic regarding the upcoming change, as the times we grow the most, are in those experiences, when we actually get out of our comfort zone, and challenge ourselves!! Therefore, when you accompany your child to first grade, or to her new kindergarten, keep in mind that by sending her out there, you are helping her to grow.
