In the next month, our children will be attending public, private, or home school. For the children attending school away from home, they may have different feelings about being away from home. Some children are excited about returning to school, while some children experience some anxiety. School can be a very stressful experience for some children. There are things we can do to help our children feel comfortable away from home.

Visiting the school a week or two before the first day can be helpful. Call ahead and ask the principal when you can stop by for a visit. Walk through the hallways, library, bathroom, and cafeteria, take time to look and talk about the rooms. If you know your child’s classroom, walk through and look at the room. Find the playground and allow your child time to swing or slide down the sliding board. You can go back and play on the playground before the first day of school. Drive by the school a few times before the first day and talk about what it will be like on the first day.

When you take your child to school on the first day, it is okay to walk your child to his classroom. If your child is anxious, it is okay to walk into the room with him. If you feel he may have a difficult time, call and talk to his teacher before the first day. Let his teacher know how you are going to help him with his transition to school.

Before leaving home, you can give your child a laminated picture of his family. He can put it in his pocket to remind him of your love for him. If you are fond of a particular perfume, spray a little on your daughter so you will share the same scent. If it is a boy, he can wear dad’s cologne or put some of your perfume on a handkerchief. Leave notes in his lunchbox or book bag. It is okay for the older child to call home and talk to a parent during the day. For the older child that is new to the school system, calling home may be something that will help him throughout the school year. Each child has different needs. It is okay to do what is going to help your child.

Reading books together can also help with the beginning of school. Talk about your feelings on the first day of school. Let your child know how you felt and how you dealt with your feelings. It can take several weeks for a family to get into the groove of the school routine. Be gentle with yourself as you find what schedule works best for your family.

Don’t forget, I’m here to talk. Call me.

Kathy Killough
843-871-6286