Transitioning into the school year can be challenging. Maybe it’s your child’s first time in a childcare center, you were just on vacation, or your child is entering a new classroom. Whatever the reason, it can be tough sometimes! Here at Play & Learn, we understand that and are here to support you. Since the new school year is around the corner, we are offering some tips and resources to help you prepare.
Tips for routines and transitions:
- Create a consistent routine with times that slightly align to a school schedule, so you and your children are used to it by the time school rolls around.
- Include activities in your child’s day that help them understand the idea of “art time” or “outdoor play time.” This can help them prepare for what it is like to have allocated time, such as circle time, at school.
- Model behaviors such as putting things into a cubby when you get home or cleaning up after a snack to show your child what is expected of them.
- If your child is old enough, talk to them about the upcoming transitions and ask them about their concerns or what makes them nervous. Talk about the emotions your child is feeling and reassure them. This can help you and your child share emotions and express concerns, supporting a strong social emotional relationship.
- Be patient; sometimes it can take children (and you!) a few weeks or months to adjust to a school routine and that’s okay.
- Think about establishing your own loving “ritual” with your child for when you drop him or her off in the classroom, such as butterfly kisses, high-five or “see ya later alligator . . .in a while crocodile” that you can model and your child can count on as a signal that you are separating but will be back to share another fun hello ritual when you see them again.
For more information, you can visit the following links:
Experts Offer Parents Back-to-School Transition Tips | Thriveworks
