FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 15, 2019 • BACK TO SCHOOL • THE QUEENS COURIER 55
Ease Kids Back into School with Confi dence
Th ere’s nothing like a major milestone
in a child’s life to test a parent’s confi -
dence. Big changes like a new school
or classroom can be trying for kids and
adults alike, but tackling the transition
a little at a time can make it easier on
everyone.
Most parents agree that being confi dent
is important, but only about 1 in 3 parents
feels confi dent on a typical day, according
to KinderCare’s Parent Confi dence
Report. However, experts say your own
feelings can impact youngsters.
Whether your child is making a big
change like stepping up from pre-K into
kindergarten or entering a new grade
in the same building, there’s likely to be
some trepidation. However, each child
is diff erent, which means reactions to
change can vary.
Some kids show up ready and raring to
go, eager to explore and meet new friends,
while others can be a little clingy, tearful
or even refuse to look at the teacher or
take a step through the door.
If you think your child might have trouble
making the transition, consider these
strategies from the experts at KinderCare
to help ease both of you into a more comfortable
place and build confi dence for a
successful school year.
1. Set up classroom visits before school
starts. Sometimes fear comes from the
unknown. By visiting ahead of time and
seeing fi rsthand, your child can become
familiar with the layout of the classroom,
meet the teachers and know what to
expect, which can help alleviate some of
the anxiety and jitters.
2. Talk with your child’s teacher about
the transition. Your child’s teacher should
be your partner, so be open and honest
from the start. Talk about how your child
handles change, what causes stress or
what behaviors the teacher might expect.
Don’t be afraid to call and ask for updates
on your child to see how things are going.
Set up regular check-ins over the next few
weeks to talk about any additional support
your child may need.
3. Avoid sneaking away from your child
at drop-off . Talk about what will happen
ahead of time and create a consistent
and predictable drop-off ritual, such
as two high-fi ves, a hug and a wave from
the window, to ensure your child feels
secure and safe. Continue this routine
every day to help your child get used to
the classroom environment and make
sure the process is a quick, happy one.
While you’re typically welcome in most
classrooms, lingering too long can make
it harder on your child once you do leave.
4. Be enthusiastic. Just like laughter,
excitement is contagious. Rather than
focus on nerves or uncertainty, share your
own memories from school including
how you felt at the beginning of a new
school year and the excitement of learning
and meeting new friends, which can help
your child get hyped up, too.
5. Set up a work station at home.
Creating a designated space at home for
your little learner to do homework, read,
write, draw and complete art projects can
help set him or her up to develop good
study habits. Stock this station with colored
paper, crayons and markers, pencils,
glue sticks, scissors, books, stickers and
other necessary tools, and leave room for
stowing a backpack. Encourage your child
to spend time working on educational
endeavors in the space each night.
View the full Parent Confi dence
Report and fi nd more advice to help ease
your child’s way into the school year at
KinderCare.com.
Courtesy Family Features
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