Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Fall 2017 | Page 9

Happy Days T he pencils are sharpened, the backpack has been chosen, and you have done everything you can think of to prepare your child for the first day of kindergarten and then it hits you. Your baby is going to kindergarten! There are plenty of materials parents can use to prepare their child for that first day, but no one tells mom what to do when she lets go of the child that has been by her side for five years. From a mom who has sent three kids to kindergarten, so far, here are some tips to get yourself ready for that monumental day. Get social You will feel more comfortable send- ing your child off to school if you are familiar with their classmates and their parents. Set up a play date at a park and invite everyone to come. Get to know the children’s names, as well as their parents, so that you feel more connected to the students your child will spend his days with. Also consider starting a kindergarten play group a year or two prior to sending your child to kindergarten so you and your child have time to make friends before they even begin school. Volunteer Just because your child is away at school doesn’t mean you have to be far. Consider joining the PTA, becoming a Scout leader, serving as a class parent, or ask where you can be most hopeful in your child’s school. Serving at your are every day at HAPPY MOMENTS Nursery & Preschool child’s school helps you become famil- iar with the staff, students, and families. Plus, you will feel more comfortable and connected as your child continues their education. Use reinforcements It can be hard, especially the first day of school, to let go. Try to keep your fears, nerves, and sadness under wraps as you drop your child off. Kids can sense your feelings and may feed off of them, making drop off even more stressful. Ask dad, an aunt, uncle, or grandparent to tag along that first day to help you stay positive and keep your fears at bay. Sometimes a voice of reason and later a shoulder to cry on is just what you need. Since 1998 Bermuda’s premier faith-based early learners’ program “where happy children learn for a brighter future”. We care about every aspect of your child’s school day within a safe social environment. Happy Moments Nursery & Preschool is keen on providing our students with lots of fun-filled explorative learning experiences. We believe in our students, assist in fulfilling each parent’s dream for their child and inspire each child in reaching their fullest potential. Curriculum encourages academic excellence, creative teaching methods for each child’s unique learning style. We offer Spanish, computer, music & EYP with BNG, BUEI and more. Teachers certified in ECE, CPR, First Aid and SCARS. Make the best of it I miss my kids terribly when they are at school but I also make the best of it. When your child is away use the time wisely to clean, work out, shower, cook, run errands or take time to recharge your own battery. In no time, you will settle into a new normal and after see- ing the growth and maturity in your child as they thrive in kindergarten, sending them off to first grade should be a little easier...maybe. Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. [email protected] or 737-8385. Accepting students for 2017/2018 school year. 18 months - 5 yrs. www.mybermudaparent.com 7