The first time your child goes to school should be an exciting time for both of you. Of course, it can be a little daunting for certain kids, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few things you can do before the big day to better prepare your child for school. Take advantage of the following tips and tailor them to your son or daughter’s personality and needs.
One of the first things you should do is sit down and talk to your child about school, explaining why they need to go and some of the things they can expect. During this conversation, it is also very important to ask your child how they are feeling. They may be scared, excited, nervous, or some combination of those feelings. This is perfectly normal, but knowing you are there to help them work through those feelings can really make the transition go smoothly.
You could also take your child to the school before the first day so they can become familiar with it. While not always possible, you may be able to arrange a meeting with the teacher so your child can get to know them early on. Finding out who else will be in their class can also be a big help, because your child may already know a few of his or her classmates. Having even one friend by their side on the first day can completely change the experience.
Finally, make sure your child knows that you will always be there if they need anything. Of course, don’t give them the impression that they can call you to pick them up any time they are sick of school, but also let them know you are there to help them get used to this new huge part of their life.