Starting school
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Note: "Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful
Children" is a free syndicated column from The Parent
Institute.
[AUG. 27, 2005]
Q: My
son will be starting school for the first time. He's generally a
very confident child, but I can sense his anxiety about the "big
day" coming up. How can we make this experience as smooth as
possible for him?
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A: You're right. It is a
"big day" and exciting, too! But to a young child, "big" can also be
scary. Think of other ways that you might discuss it. Every child
gets a little nervous about starting school. Some simply don't want
summer fun to end. But there are some things you can do to make this
transition as smooth and easy as possible. To get the school year
started off right:
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Talk about his concerns.
If he's not exactly sure what it is that he's anxious about,
read some books about starting school. You'll find many titles
available. Ask your librarian for suggestions. Talk with your
son about some of the concerns discussed in the books.
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Acknowledge his fears.
Describe your own first day of school. If you were afraid,
remind him that this feeling didn't last long.
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Before school starts, see
if you and your son can visit the classroom. Ask for the
principal's help in arranging the visit.
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Have your son practice getting
up at the new time for a week before school starts.
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Find out where the school bus
will be picking him up. Together take a few walks to the bus
stop.
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Take several walks to the
school and back if he won't be riding the bus.
[to top of second column in this article]
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Children often worry about
using the bathroom while they're at school. Let him know that
there will be one nearby and he can use it when he needs to.
Include this on your visit to the classroom.
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Be encouraging. Don't let
him hear you say things like, "I'm so sad. I wish you were
staying home!"
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Plan something special for
the first day of school -- his favorite breakfast, a new outfit
or a trip to the park after school.
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Assure your son that you will
be waiting for him at the end of the school day and so will
his favorite animals and toys.
After school, ask about his day. Show how excited and interested
you are. You've made sure he's off to a good start. Now set up a
home routine with regular times for dinner, homework and bed. Limit
his TV time and set up family reading times. Your son will thrive on
this routine and get the school year started right!
[The Parent
Institute]
For more information about helping
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Copyright © 2005, The Parent
Institute.
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