Prepare your tot for school
If you are soon to face this situation, it doesn?t have to be a traumatic experience ? if you?re prepared in advance. These tips, from www.lifeadvice.com, will help you get ready for this milestone:
? Ask yourself how you are feeling about your child starting school. Getting your child ready for school is much easier when you, as a parent, are ready, too. If you?re experiencing fear and anxiety, try not to communicate your uneasiness to your child.
? Start early. Help your child adjust to your occasional absences before he or she is ready for school. Gradually increase the number and length of visits with relatives and friends to boost your child?s comfort level with those outside your immediate family.
? Start with the basics. Preparing your child for school involves basic parenting skills on your part. Use praise and positive reinforcement. Teach your child how to communicate, participate and cooperate. Stress the importance of communication skills such as listening and making eye contact. Demonstrate how to express kindness and appreciation toward others.
? Instill a love of learning. Use your child?s natural curiosity to help him or her learn new things. Encourage family discussions. Visit the library and read to your child. Show your child how books, newspapers, computers and other learning tools help you in your daily life. Always convey a positive attitude about school.
? Plan ahead for the first day of school. Get your child excited about the big day by reassuring him or her that school is a good place. Visit the school ahead of time. Read age-appropriate books about school to your child so he or she knows what to expect. Prepare meals, clothes and school supplies the night before.
? Don?t forget about safety. Sending your child to school is an important time to reinforce safety rules. Teach your child how to be alert and make appropriate judgments in certain situations. Stress that your child should never get in a car or go anywhere with anyone without your permission. Likewise, tell your child not to approach the car of anyone who claims to be asking for directions or looking for a lost pet. Encourage your child to turn to a trusted adult for help if a problem arises.