Back to School Tips

When my kids and I went for a walk yesterday we crunched through some fallen leaves. The grocery store is filled with mums and pumpkins, the air is getting cooler (or it was for a few days there), and the back to school sales are over...all signs that fall is coming. Along with fall come some very big transitions for children, namely going to school and heading off without mom and dad, some for the first time. It can be a hard time for them, and us parents too. With the first day of classes at Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning happening in a few days, I wanted to share some strategies to make your child’s (and your) transition a little easier.

1. Talk about it. Let your child know how they’re going to ride in the car, and talk about what they might see along the way. For instance, my daughter loves looking for the Star of David on the sign in the driveway. Discuss what they might do during the day. If you can, don’t let on how nervous you are; they’re smart little cookies and will pick up on your nervousness and they they’ll likely be nervous too.
2. Have a routine. Routines let us know what to expect. You’ll also be able to use it when talking about going to school. For example: “When we get to school, we’re going to hang your backpack up, wash your hands, and read two stories. After that, I have to go, but you’ll be able to read another story with Ms. Shelley.” This will help your children know that after that second story they will have to say goodbye for a little bit.
3. Know that the teachers have this. We care for your kids, almost just as much as you do. We don’t want to see them sad all day long, and will do whatever it takes to try to help them, whether it’s distracting with play dough, singing silly songs, or holding them for a while. Once I cheered a very sad kid up by mentioning, randomly, that I had to go to Target. That stopped the tears, and every day for a few weeks, we had to talk about Target, as part of his morning routine. We aren’t going to let children cry for hours, and chances are, they’re going to be okay by the time you reach the entryway. Just, please, don’t peek your head back in the window to check, as that often upsets children more.
4. Take some time for yourself! Are you using this time to get work done? Enjoy being able to do it without requests for milk and Thomas blaring in the background. Suddenly have 3 hours by yourself? Go grab a cup of coffee (not familiar with the area? Let us know, we can direct you to some good coffee shops,) get the grocery shopping done, go home and relax, go for a run...just take advantage of having some you time, something us parents don’t get too often. On Wednesday and Thursday, we will have coffee and snacks in the multipurpose room. Come down, get to know fellow parents, and if you want one of us to run up and check on your child, we will.

We’ve got this, parents! We are excited to get to know you and your children and are looking forward to a great year of learning, exploring, and having fun.