Whether your child will venture forth on her very first
school experience this fall, will transition to a new school, or will just
start the next grade at her old location… now is the time to take some steps to
get the year off on the right foot. Here are some thoughts:
Remember who’s
going
and who’s not.
Even though it’s startling to realize you’re the
parent of a child old enough to start kindergarten or middle school (or even
college), going to school is your child’s experience, not yours. So while you
might be inclined to dress for success the first few days on a new job, your
child more likely wants to dress for comfort or dress to blend in. When you
shop for school clothes and school supplies, practicality and your child's wishes are the qualities to
shoot for.
Keep your worries
to yourself.
You might be anxious to know that your child was assigned your
preferred teacher or gets into your choice of school or is chosen for a special
program. That’s understandable: most of
us would like to be granted our every wish. But don’t share your anxieties with
your child. As you know, not every wish comes true and if your child knows your
wish was disappointed his perception of his new class will be tainted. Don’t
set things up for a bad beginning.
Realize that every experience is educational.
One of the great
advantages going off to school has over home-schooling is the diversity of
experience that school affords. Children have to learn to adapt, work things
out, and make do. This is not a bad thing. Learning to get along with others on
their terms is probably the single most-important part of the school
curriculum. Don’t try to manage every detail or make things “right.” They may
actually be right, right now.
Be hopeful and be glad.
A cheerful, positive outlook is a great
gift you can give your child. Help him start the new school year feeling
optimistic and capable. Finish up the summer on a high note and look ahead with
anticipation.
It’s going to be a great year!
(c) 2015, Patricia Nan Anderson. All rights reserved. Get free downloads and more at www.patricianananderson.com
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