Liza Rivas

Have you thought about what your child feels the first day at a day care or in a Kindergarten?

Well, I like to relate to feelings we can not remember.  Think about what you felt in your stomach the first day at a new job or during a presentation about a new project.  It is a strong feeling and we have the ability to understand and control it, but our children simply feel it.  So what are some pointers to help them out through that first step to independence and away from all they have known?

First, make sure they have been at the school site before, or visited the classroom they will attend. 

Second, get them ready the day before.  Have their clothes ready, their backpack and lunch box organized.

Third, let them participate in the preparation.  It may ease their stress to deal new experiences.

Fourth, take your child to the door, let him or her know you are leaving and will be back soon to pick him or her up.

Fifth, try to pick your child up on time, it is reassuring.

Sixth and most importantly make sure you are ready to leave your child at the school.  If he  or she sees you crying or anxious then they will feel that there is something wrong, they need peace and security.  Your postive actions and emotions will make them feel safer.   

It is important you understand that it takes a child a few weeks to adapt to a new enviornment, so if he or she tends to cry when you leave, do not hesitate to keep on walking, it is a process of separation they need to overcome.