Tips For The First Day Of School For First Time Children

The very first day of school can be exciting and bittersweet at the same time. The day your child heads off to school for the first time can make you proud and may even make you a little sad. Your child might be nervous or fearful about the new setting, and also be scared to be away from you. Take some time to help your child make the transition to her new classroom so she can start off on the right foot.

Let Your Child Guide You

Walk into the classroom on the first day and let your child set the tone for the morning, the KidsHealth website recommends. Introduce your child to his teacher and allow her to have a one-on-one conversation with your child so they can begin to form a meaningful relationship. Stay for a few minutes if your child is nervous, and look around the classroom together. Choose an activity and help your child get settled in before leaving so he is engaged in something that interests him. If your child seems happy, you can leave right away, but if your child is fearful, plan on staying for a short period of time before separating.

Tell Your Child What Will Happen Next

When you arrive at school for the first time, your child may be enthusiastic about the new experience, or might cling to you and cry, Nancy Hertzog writes in "Ready for Preschool: Prepare Your Child for Happiness and Success at School." Telling your child exactly what to expect can help ease the transition from being cared for by you to being cared for by a teacher. Tell your child that she will hang her things on her hook and find an activity to do while the other children arrive. Let her know that after she chooses an activity and gets started, you will be leaving. Reassure her that you will be back. Give her an example, such as "I'll be back at lunchtime," or "You'll see me again right after you play outside," so your child knows when she can begin expecting you.

Give Him a Comfort Object

KidsHealth recommends giving your child an object to help comfort him when he feels nervous, sad or scared. A photo of your family or a favorite stuffed animal can help him feel better while he makes the adjustment to going to school and being separated from you. Talk about the object with your child and plan where he will put it while he is at school, so he knows where it is if he needs it. Some schools will have your child put the object in his backpack while others may allow him to hold it if he needs to.