Managing First Day of School Jitters

As a parent, the first day of school is exciting, right?  I mean, if nothing else, it’s a chance to get back into a routine and put some structure back into the days {and for a couple of hours of quiet}.  For kids, though, starting new can totally bring up anxiety and worries.  As adults, we’ve been through the first day routine lots of times.  We totally know what to expect–kids, not so much.

Here are a couple of ideas to help your child take the edge off of first day butterflies:

1. Don’t skip registration and/or open house.  For you, this is probably dreadful small talk, but for a kid, it’s a chance to get concrete images of the classroom and teacher.  If it is a new school or change from elementary to middle school, for example, make sure to take the time to find the bathrooms, all classes, lunchroom etc.
2. A week ahead of time, start the school routine.  Get up early.  Get ready.  Eat breakfast.  If you have a super nervous kiddo, do a “dry run” drop off.  Drop them off and have them find their classroom while you wait.  There won’t be other kids, so the stress will be super low.
3. For younger kids {kindergartners or 1st graders transitioning to full day}, expect them to be a bit needy and accommodate their desire for encouragement and attention after school {if possible}.
4. Make sure they are dropped off with plenty of time before the bell for the first week.  The first week always seems hectic and getting out the door on time can require and act of congress, I totally get it.  BUT, kids will do better if their day starts with little to know stress at home {good luck with that}.
5. Younger kids may want you to “come with them.”  There is no harm in walking and waiting on the playground until the bell rings for the first little bit.  They will make friends quickly and no longer need you {which is truly bittersweet}.
6. For older kids, allow them to call or have a get-together with friends before school starts.  It will make them excited to see their friends again, and remind them, they are not walking into total strangers.
7. For middle school age girls {and even high school, if they will go for it} hold a spa day.  Do nails, make-up, hair, whatever floats their boat.  Let’s face it, middle school can be B-R-U-T-A-L for girls, might as well give them a little boost of confidence before they head out of the door.
8. Teach kids coping skills.  A lot of times, it feels ridiculous to teach coping skills, but I know a lot of adults who never learned, so maybe it’s worth mentioning.  You can totally tailor it to your kids style:  deep breaths, meditation, journaling, reading a book {to check out for a minute}, etc.

Any of you have kids that have already left the house, and now you have wisdom to impart for parents with young kids?  Make sure to share your tips in the comment section!

~Mavis

First Day Jitters  is an AWESOME read-aloud picture book about first day jitters.  Spoiler alert:  Kids will love that the teacher is the one with the jitters.