The first few weeks of September are busy times for parents.
All that planning (and putting off) in August must now be executed to establish a smooth transition back into routines, such as school and childcare.
It is not uncommon for feelings of nervousness to surface, especially for little ones, these first few days and weeks. There are a lot of new things happening and that unfamiliarity can raise levels of anxiety. Remember, it's OK and a lot of people go through it.
As a mother of eight, I have seen and experienced a lot during this time of the year, and I have talked to many parents about how they have transitioned their kids to the normal time of year. Here are some tips that have worked for me:
Establish a bedtime routine: To avoid those potentially grouchy mornings, get into a school night sleep schedule. Establish regular activities that signal bedtime is approaching. For the little ones, that may be a post-dinner bath, story time, a kiss, lying down and turning off the lights. Ensuring a good night of sleep will pay off in the long run.
Be calm, confident and reassuring during drop-off: Separation, especially for children (and some of you parents, too), may be the most difficult part of establishing a drop-off routine. Be consistent in your drop off. Do it at the same time each day. Children are very sensitive to non-verbal cues. Make eye contact, kneel to their level and give them a hug or a kiss. Finally, remind them you are looking forward to seeing them again at the end of the day and you're excited to hear about what they did all day.
Attitude is everything: Speak with a warm, reassuring voice. Remember that kids pick up on tone, facial expressions and touch. Let them know that you are confident that they will be OK.
No matter how they react, remain positive. There will be a rough morning every now and then, You just have to take them in stride.
Plan a first week back celebration: Kids love milestones. And for many, finishing off that first day or first week is an important occasion. Celebrate and acknowledge that it's been a good day or week and that the following will be as, if not even more, fun.
Talk about goals: Give your kids a sense that they can be in control of what they want to build their confidence. What do they want to accomplish this year with their teachers? What particular interests do they have in class? What extracurricular activities do they want to join and do they want to try something new?
Remember their answers and check in on the way to class or during meals to see if they are progressing the way they want.
Check in with the teacher: Speak to the educator to see how your child is doing throughout the day.
Their insight will likely give you some key information about how to act and talk to your child to make the transition smooth.
Victoria Sopik is the CEO and co-founder of Kids Company, which has more than 60 childcare centres across Canada, including one in North Vancouver.
This story originally appeared in the North Shore News special section called Back to Class, which featured school-related content.
