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Making Your Child's First Days of School Memorable
By Patricia Twitchell
Related Articles:
Back to School Checklist
Preparing for Back to School
Beating the Back to School Blues
Do you have a child or grandchild getting
ready to start the school year? If yes, you are in a position to make the
experience a great one.
The first few days of school can be exciting and yet, overwhelming for many
young students. It is a time of change for parents, grandparents and
children.
How you handle yourself can directly impact the child’s experience. The
younger the child the more important it is for the parent (or legal
guardian) to do whatever they can to make it a positive experience.
Starting school can be challenging for many, yet, with some simple steps the
experience can be one that will be remembered as fun and enjoyable. Often,
we forget how it was for us when we started out on the big adventure. In
doing so, we may not realize what the child is going through.
Here are a few simple steps you can take
to make the experience a positive one.
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Make this an exciting experience for your
child. Everything leading up to the first day will determine how your child
will view the experience. What you do when you shop for clothes, for school
supplies and the conversations at the dinner table can lay the foundation
for a great experience. If you are positive about what they will encounter,
chances are your child will be.
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Take the time to meet teachers. Also take
time to visit the school with your child in order to alleviate any anxiety
they may have.
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Avoid minimizing your child’s concerns.
Take the time to listen to what they have to say rather than saying
something like, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Whatever they are feeling is
real. By listening and acknowledging their concerns you can help them
alleviate their concerns.
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Realize you may go through some separation
anxiety. If you and your child are extremely close, the first day of school
can be just as trying for you as for them.
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Make sure they have all your contact
information in the case of an emergency. Set ground rules for when it is
appropriate to call you.
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Have time set aside in the evening where
you can check in with your child to hear about their experiences. Be
genuinely interested in what they are learning and discovering.
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Always remember to take time to connect
with your child before they head out for school. Take a few extra minutes to
make sure they know you love them.
By taking a few simple steps towards
making the experience a positive one you are laying the foundation for your
child to do well.
About the author
Patricia Twitchell is the proprietor of Just Bears and Stuff, a unique gift
shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Whether visiting the shop or browsing
the website, you can enjoy one of the best selections of Boyd’s, Gund,
Cottage Collectibles, Quarry Critters, Ganz and more.. Receive “Beary
Special Moments” a free online teddy bear facts and tips e-zine by visiting
www.justbearsandstuff.com
Related Articles:
Back to School Checklist
Preparing for Back to School
Beating the Back to School Blues
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