The first day of school can be a source of stress for children, particularly those attending for the first time.  Saying goodbye to parents and venturing into a new environment can create separation anxiety but some advance preparation for this moment can greatly reduce this tension.

So, what can be done to avoid first day of school stress?  Here are a few tips:

Familiarize Your Child with Their New Environment:

• Prepare them for some of the activities they will be taking part in such as drawing and storytelling
• Take a trip to the school and possibly the classroom ahead of time to familiarize them with the space.
• Have your child meet their teacher

We strongly encourage new families to visit the centre.  During this visit, parents and children can tour the classrooms and meet the staff who are happy to provide insight on daily routines and answer any questions.  This type of pre-visit also allows children to meet and interact with their soon-to-be classmates.

Prepare for the Upcoming Drop-off:

• Try to remain calm and assured as children can sense tensions in their parents
• Reintroduce your child to their teacher on the first day to initiate the new relationship as well as demonstrating your trust in this person who will have your child in their care
• Bring along something familiar from home (a toy, a photo, a blanket etc.) that they can keep in a cubby for comfort if needed
• Be sure to say good-bye to your child as sneaking out and leaving without saying goodbye will only cause further anxiety and could potentially create trust issues. As well, be reassuring to your child if they are crying, remind them that they will have a good day and that you will be back to pick them up and of course tell them that you love them
• Say goodbye and leave promptly; do not have a long and drawn out farewell as this may reinforce a child’s fear that school is a bad place. Also, express your ease with leaving by waving goodbye from outside or making a silly goodbye face.
• If possible, learn the names of the other children in the class and address them at drop off to make the classroom seem more familiar and safe
• Provide a little memento such as a soft toy for comfort during quiet time, to let your child know that you are thinking of them during the day
• Staggering the length of the day is also beneficial, allowing children to take in new routines in stages. Perhaps start with a couple of hours on the first day and build up over the course of 2 or three days helping to ease into the transition which can be uncertain and a little scary for young children

Remember that worries and anxiety about the first day are normal but a little preparation goes a long way towards easing those tensions for both parent and child.