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As the first day of school approaches, it’s normal for both children and parents to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or moving up to a new grade, there are ways to ease those jitters and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
1. Practice Saying Goodbye
One effective way to prepare your child for school is by gradually extending separation periods in the months leading up to the first day. This can help them feel more comfortable being away from home and build trust in other caregivers.
Create a Special Goodbye Ritual:
Consider developing a unique goodbye routine—like a secret handshake or a special phrase. This consistency helps children know what to expect and reassures them that you'll be back soon.
Teach a Coping Skill:
Teach Deep Breathing Exercises: Show your child how to take deep, slow breaths to calm their nerves. You can do this by having them inhale deeply through their nose for a count of four, hold for four, and then exhale slowly through their mouth for another count of four. This simple exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Create a Worry Box: At home, create a 'worry box' where your child can write or draw their worries and then place them in the box. Explain that once the worries are in the box, they don’t need to carry them anymore.
Use a Grounding Technique: Teach your child a simple grounding exercise, such as the “5-4-3-2-1” technique, where they identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. This can help them stay present and reduce anxiety.
Try Meditating on a Simple Prayer: Dear God, When I feel worried or scared, help me remember that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. Please fill my heart with Your peace, the peace that passes all understanding. I trust You to watch over me, to guide me, and to help me feel safe and calm. Amen. (Based on Philippians 4:6-7)
Read Together:
Books can be a great tool for helping children understand and express their feelings. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a wonderful story that can comfort your child and remind them that your love is always with them, even when you’re apart.
2. Familiarize Your Child with Their New Environment
Taking a tour of the school and identifying key places like the classroom, playground, and bathroom can reduce your child’s fears of the unknown. Familiarity breeds confidence, so make sure to explore the school together before the big day.
Help Them Make a Friend:
If possible, arrange a playdate with a future classmate before school starts. Knowing even one friendly face can significantly reduce anxiety.
Role-Play Social Scenarios:
Practice common situations your child might encounter, like how to introduce themselves or ask to join a game. This builds social confidence, making the first day less daunting.
Read Together:
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is a fun and relatable story that shows kids they’re not alone in feeling nervous about the first day of school.
3. Address Their School Anxiety Concerns Directly
It’s important to talk openly with your child about their worries. Assure them that it’s normal to feel nervous, and work together to come up with solutions.
For example, if your child is worried about getting lost, practice walking to the classroom before school starts. If they’re concerned about finding the right bus, write the bus number on a card and place it in their backpack.
Read Together:
Books like Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate and The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing can help address specific concerns and give children a better idea of what to expect.
4. Establish a Consistent Goodbye Routine
Say goodbye confidently and keep it brief. Lingering can increase your child’s anxiety. Instead, offer a cheerful “See you soon!” and leave promptly. Make sure to follow through with your promise to pick them up on time.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Prolonged Anxiety
While some anxiety is normal, watch for signs that it might be more serious, such as excessive clinginess, unrealistic fears, or physical symptoms like stomachaches. If these issues persist, it might be time to consult with a teacher or counselor.
A Prayer for First-Day Nerves
Lord, we lift up our children as they embark on a new school year. Grant them courage to face their fears, wisdom to learn and grow, and peace to trust in Your presence. Help them to know that they are never alone and that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. Amen.
These strategies, along with the comforting stories found in these books, can help children manage their anxiety and approach the first day of school with confidence and peace of mind.
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