Sending your child off for their very first day of school is a nerve wracking experience.
So much of their future seems to depend on this single day.
There are always doubts about whether or not they are really ready to mind someone else, if their mind is ready to absorb knowledge, and if they will make lifelong friends.
The most agonizing part of the day is the concern that the things your child experiences their first day of school will change them or affect them in negative ways.
The best thing you can do is take a deep breath and relax.
It might not seem like it right now, but everything will be okay.
Your child will be just fine, especially when you take advantage of these tips and you know what to expect.
Take Advantage of the Open House Most schools have an open house before the first day of school.
It is really important that parents take advantage of this event.
The open house provides the child with a chance to see the classroom and meet some of their future classmates.
It also gives the parents the chance to meet the teacher and get some of their questions answered.
Many parents are surprised to find that a child who was nervous about school is suddenly excited and can't wait for the first day.
The purpose of the open house is twofold.
Yes, it is good for the parents and children, but it also gives the teacher a rare opportunity to see how the child interacts with their parents, since these are the people who will aid in the child's learning.
Talk to Your Children Most children who are anxious about the first day of kindergarten are really worried that they won't be smart enough to keep up with their classmates.
After taking your child to the open house, spend some time talking to them about exactly what they will be doing during their first few days of schools.
The best time to discuss this is on the way home from the open house when the experience is still fresh in their mind.
When you are discussing the upcoming school days with your child, it is important to make sure that you keep your voice light and cheerful.
Push your own anxieties aside.
If you sound and appear confident in your child's ability to do well on their first day of kindergarten, your child will start to share your confidence.
Make a Big Deal of the First Day When your child gets home from their first day of school, it is important to make sure that you talk to them.
As soon as they get home, you need to drop everything that you are doing and make sure that they tell you what they learned, who they saw, and how they felt.
The more interest you show in the child's first day, the more they will share with you as their school year progresses.
Knowing that their parents are interested in their school life will help your child enjoy the experience more, which will make them more open to the learning process.