Do These Things to Ease Your Child’s Nervousness on the First Day of School
The approaching school year often means major changes to family schedules, including a renewed morning rush just to get out the door. For many children, the first day of school is not only exciting, but overwhelming. In addition to getting up and getting ready, they must remember to pack everything they need on the first day, go to the bus stop or line up, find their class, and meet their teachers and classmates.
All this can seem especially frightening if the child is going to school for the first time or is starting a new one. And this is doubly true if your child is particularly rigid or inflexible or struggles with transitions. For these kids, some pre-training and a few ” training runs ” before the big day can make all the difference.
How to Run a “Practice Run” on Your First Day of School
A trial run can help cut down on the first day’s morning hustle when your child can’t decide what to wear or remember where his backpack is, and he’s nervous about taking the bus for the first time or making friends. — and you’re just trying to get them out the door with lunch in hand so you can get to work on time.
Here are some things you can do ahead of time to help them get ready for the big day:
- Practice walking to the bus stop, or take a few practice runs on your walk or commute to get them familiar with the route.
- Arrange for them to tour their new school and view their class if they haven’t already.
- Set play dates, if possible, with other children you know will be in their class.
- Help them gather and pack their school supplies and put the backpack in a prominent place, such as near the front door.
- Help them practice cooking dinner (if that is their responsibility).
- Choose clothes for the first day of school (or clothes for the week!) a day or two earlier so that there is less hassle on the first morning.
You should also check the school website or social media accounts for any special notes or procedures they may have on the first day, especially with regards to drop-off and pick-up so there are no last-minute surprises.