Transitions between
home and childcare/school can be a very exciting experience. Whether your child
has never been in care outside of the home or if they are attending
kindergarten for the first time, both parent and child will have mixed emotions
about the transitioning period. Here are a few tips to help prepare for the new
experiences:
·
Tour the school
and make yourself comfortable with the environment. A transition will flow
smoother when you know which door to enter, what classroom is your child’s, and
who your child’s teacher will be. If there are children present during the
tour, try to remember one or two of their names so you can talk about them
after the tour to link the classroom children to your child.
·
Ask about
materials needed ahead of time. If you are equipped with the school or child
care supplies ahead of time, you won’t have to worry about forgetting something
that might be necessary for your child’s first day.
·
Talk about the
transition before it actually happens. Recall the tour and remember by name the
teacher and if you met any of the children. Talk about the new school/environment
at the dinner table, before bedtime, or during down times when your child isn’t
distracted with other activities. Create a positive approach when discussing
the time away from home because if your child is looking forward to their new
experience, you won’t feel as nervous about the new transition.
·
Stay informed-
check in on your child during their first few weeks. Email their teacher or
call to ask how your child is doing and ask for ways to help make the
transition a pleasant experience for you and for your child. Ask your child
when they get home how things are going and have them list some of their
favorite activities.
·
Remember that
your child is in good hands! Take a deep breath and enjoy these new and
exciting times ahead!
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