The first few weeks are often filled with excitement and some trepidation! There are so many new things happening all at once when young children begin school, especially for the first time! The first week is usually filled with lots of wonder and wide eyes. It is so fun to see children experience something new. They grow up a lot in just that first week! They are away from home and learning so much already.
Some teachers will say this is the honeymoon period. Then the 2nd and 3rd weeks come and suddenly your child might seem really, really tired. This is very normal. There is an adjustment period to this new routine! Your child is not only up and out of the house by 8:30, but they have so many new lessons to learn. And that IS tiring! Being on their best behavior at school takes a lot of mental energy. Learning to meet new friends, pay attention at circle time, discover a new activity from the shelf…. all these things both energize and take energy! Don’t be surprised if your child is needing extra sleep this first month. Often behavior at home after school can deteriorate as the child can safely release all their emotions once home. Your calm and reassuring presence is more important than ever in this transition time! It does get better and children do adjust (as well as the teachers and parents!)
Some things parents can do to help your child during this transition time:
- Make sure your child goes to bed on time or even early.
- Have some calm morning time before school.
- Naps that have been in the past might come back. Make time for that.
- Spend some quality time with your child. The one-on-one with a parent helps your child get recentered and gives them feel loved and safe during new times.
- Don’t overschedule your child with activities this month.
- Allow the child to play quietly at home without TV’s, tablets, or electronic devices.
- Spend some time in nature to roam and enjoy being outside.
- Don’t probe your child for information on their day. They often will not remember what they did the last 3 hours and may not want to share yet as they process all their new experiences.
- If your child says they don’t want to go to school, they usually are saying “I’m tired.” Just reassure them that this is indeed a school day, and you will be back soon. They can play at home when they are done with school.
- If your child has a true concern about something at school, let the teachers know right away so any situation can be resolved. Many new processes are taught, and young children may not process it all. (For instance, a child may think that they can never have a drink of water at school! Not true, and if a teacher learns this, we will take an extra moment to show your child how to do that!)
- Enjoy this new adventure and share your joy with your child! Be proud of them!