A child’s first day at school can be traumatic for the child and parents.
It need not be so though.
Here are some handy tips to make the day smooth sailing:
• Your child might be nervous but unable to communicate it. Create a secret signal that will comfort him or her. For example three squeezes of the hand might mean ‘I love you’.
• Do not give your child a drink for lunch that is difficult to open or ‘new’ or ‘strange’ food.
• At home, practice eating out of a lunchbox and throwing things into a bin.
• Supply at least two telephone numbers to the teacher in case the school needs to contact you.
• Make sure all your child’s medicine is packed and that the teacher is informed about it.
• Meet and chat to at least one new parent.
• Make sure your child uses the bathroom when instructed to so in class, even if he or she is convinced they do not need to.
• Label absolutely everything.
• If possible teach your child in advance how to write his or her name.
• Empty your child’s bag everyday in case the teacher sent a note.
• Your child will possibly be tired on the first day so allow for a nap after collection.
• When you leave your child, explain you will be back to collect him or her at the place you separate.
• Do not worry if they cry. Tears are normal and it does not mean you are a ‘bad’ parent.
• Only cry when you are out of sight.
