EDUCATION CORNER
the backpack readied each evening. Those things make
the mornings much less chaotic.
• Be prepared for crying. Not yours, your child’s.
If your child starts fussing and crying about going to
school, it’s imperative that you hold firm. Of course,
talk about their concerns. Address any fears calmly
and reasonably. Let the school staff know that this
is an issue. School counselors can work magic with
situations like this; don’t hesitate to talk with them.
Be firm and consistent in taking your child to school
each day, regardless of whether or not they want to go.
Your child has to see that you are ok with school and
you are making it a priority. The teachers and staff are
experienced with children who have separation issues.
Leave your child when the teacher or staff person tells
you to go, and trust that they will take care of things
well. Honestly, they will let you know how things are
progressing. Once in the car, it’s ok to shed some tears.
It’s hard leaving your little one, especially if s/he is
upset. Typically, these situations work themselves out,
and all is well.
• Questions or concerns. During the course of
the school year, if you have questions or concerns,
please contact the school. You want to have the right
information, not rumors. Having the right information
allows you to make better decisions. Be careful about
listening to the stories or advice of other parents as
the needs of their child may not be like the needs of
your child. Ask your questions, and don’t worry about
asking questions. School personnel appreciate it when
parents ask clarifying questions. It allows the school the
opportunity to give correct information, and it helps
to inform your decisions and/or calm your nerves. If
something happens in life that may impact your child’s
school life, let the teacher or school counselor know.
They can be prepared to help your child through
whatever may be happening, and make school a safe
and secure environment for him/her.
• Homework and reading with your child. Start early
in setting up a specific time and place for your child
to do homework. I’d suggest it be at the same time
each day and in someplace where there is no TV or
other technological distractions. Your presence should
be very noticeable. Let your children know that you
are there if they need you but, until they say there’s
a need, allow your children to do their work on their
own. Here’s what I’ve often told parents: “if you step
in and do things for your child, the message you may
be sending is this: ‘honey, I love you but you are not
capable.’” We want to empower our children to do
things and attempt to do things on their own. If they
make a mistake, it’s ok. That mistake allows them to
re-learn, and it teaches them that they don’t have to be
perfect. It’s ok to make mistakes. One other suggestion
on homework is building in a time for you to read to
your child and for him/her to read to you as they learn.
Even if there is no homework, make reading together
an evening event. Choose fun books, and make this a
quality time for learning and togetherness. Reading is
a critical skill, so the more practice our children get,
the better.
Final Tips
You can establish your own comforting routine
to start your child’s day on a positive note. A
comforting routine could involve singing a couple
of verses of your child’s favorite song, reciting a
poem, or telling a story. Developing a routine like
this can benefit both you and your child. Here are
some other helpful tips to assist your child in his or
her adjustment to school:
• Contact the teacher. If your child is struggling,
or has an issue at home, let his or her teacher
know about it.
• Share your own positive stories about school.
Recall memories of your childhood when you were
in first grade and how much you enjoyed it.
• Not goodbye, see you later. Saying goodbye
can be tough for some children. Instead of saying
goodbye, perhaps say something like “See you
later after school when I pick you up. I can’t wait
to hear about your day!” This way, you explicitly
affirm to your child that you will see him or her
again at the end of the day.
• Leave a note. Something as simple as “I hope
you’re enjoying your day. I love you!” is enough to
uplift a child’s spirits.
We hope the above tips can help ease some of your
anxieties, and will provide you with some useful tips to
support your child’s successful transition into the next
chapter of his/her life… first grade!
About Dr. Sharon Servier
Dr. Sevier has been in education for
40 years. During that time, she has
been a classroom teacher, a school
counselor at every level, a district
director of guidance and counseling,
and an adjunct faculty member at various
colleges and universities in New York and Missouri.
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