Back To School Can Be Tough
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With a new school year starting soon (or already started in some places), a new batch of young children are getting ready to go to school for the first time. Although there is excitement on behalf of the child) at the prospect of being one of the “big kids”, and for the new clothes and backpack and school supplies, there is also trepidation. Parents are often no better with this milestone.
However, there are some things parents can do to prepare their child for the first day of school:
- talk often about how much fun school will be
- arrange playdates with other children in the same class to ensure the child knows other students
- consider a visit to the classroom in the spring as a sort of “test run”
- suggest role-playing games where the parent is the teacher and the child is the student
While some anxiety is normal during the first few weeks, if it continues or the child becomes more aggressive in their behaviour in avoiding going to school or when at school, it could be signs of a more difficult case. Most experts suggest consulting the child’s teacher, since they have a wealth of experience dealing with similar situations from previous years.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that our children take our cues from their parents. Be calm (even if you’re not) and reassuring; tell them that you’re excited for them, and that you hope they are excited too. If you appear OK with the whole process (even if your heart is breaking inside), it will make it easier for your child.
Source: Letting go can be hard for younger students, parents via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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