The first day of school is a significant milestone for any student. It’s a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of anxiety. You, as your child’s adult, can help support them and make a world of difference in how your child adjusts to this new chapter of their life. Here are some easy to implement tips to help support your child after their first day of the new school year.
1. Create a Welcoming Environment
After a long day filled with new experiences and new people, it can be helpful to come home to a calm environment (or as calm as possible). This could include having a favorite snack prepared for your child. This might include a cozy spot where they can relax and unwind after the day.
2. Listen
When your child starts to share details about their day, listen attentively. Show genuine interest in what they have to say, whether it’s about their new friends, teacher, or the activities that they did. Avoid interrupting and let them express their feelings fully.
3. Ask (Open-Ending) Questions
Encourage your child to share more about their day by asking open-ended questions. Try questions like: What was the most fun thing you did today? Who did you sit near at lunch? What did you learn that was new?
This strategy works well for some children, but for others, more pointed questions about specific times of the day can be helpful. This could include questions like: What did you learn during math time today? What phonics sounds are you working on? Sometimes children need different kinds of questions to uncover more about their day. While asking questions, trying not to move the conversation into an interrogation. Allow your child to answer questions as they are able or willing to and wait until they’re ready to share more.
4. Validate Their Feelings
It’s normal for children to have mixed feelings about their first day of school. They might feel excited, nervous, or even a bit overwhelmed with all of the newness. Validate their feelings by acknowledging them. Let them know that it’s ok to feel what they are feeling. Sometimes sharing about your experience(s) can help.
5. Establish an After School Routine
Having a consistent and predictable routine can help your child feel more secure and less anxious. A predictable routine can provide a sense of comfort and security. An after-school routine will likely include time for homework, playtime, dinner, and preparation for the next day.
6. Stay Positive
As we mentioned in an earlier post about supporting your child on the morning of their first day of school, your attitude toward school can greatly influence your child’s perception. Try to remain positive and enthusiastic about their school experience. Share your own positive memories from school and highlight the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
7. Monitor for Signs of Stress
Some mild signs of anxiety are normal when something new, like the first day of school, is happening. Be on the lookout for signs of excessive stress or anxiety. Things to look for can include being unusually withdrawn, having trouble sleeping, big changes in how they are feeling or acting, or strong reluctance to go to school can be signs that something more is going on. Talking with their teacher and/or the school counselor can be helpful.
Supporting your child after their first day of school by being present, listening, and providing a supportive environment can help them relax after an important day. It can also help your child navigate a new experience with confidence and ease. Your actions can make all the difference in helping them feel safe, secure, and excited about this coming school year.
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