Creative Child August 2022 | Page 19

1 . Keep it positive . When you talk to your child about the upcoming school year and her transition to Kindergarten , be optimistic and positive . When children sense we are anxious , they may become anxious as well . This can be really tough if you ’ re feeling anxious or worried about her , so it ’ s important to check in with your own emotions as well , and get support if you need it . Keep in mind that there is no pressure to overhype it , and certainly you should validate your child ’ s concerns and listen to her fears and worries , but keeping a general sense of optimism will help your child feel more at ease .
2 . Get acquainted . If the school does an orientation , that is a great chance for you and your child to go and meet teachers and classmates . If not , it ’ s a good idea to arrange a tour of a school and a meeting with your child ’ s teacher . Prepare a one-page cheat sheet about your child for the teacher and include name and nickname , photo , medical conditions , likes and dislikes , interests and talents , etc . This will help the teacher get to know your child and give him or her some conversation starters for building a relationship . If you can arrange for your child to get acquainted with the teacher as well , that ’ s even better . If he can begin to form a relationship with the teacher before school starts , it will make the separation from you a bit easier . If you can set up a playdate with another child in his class a few times before school starts , having that familiar face in class will be a comfort and help to ease your child ’ s nerves .

1 . Keep it positive . When you talk to your child about the upcoming school year and her transition to Kindergarten , be optimistic and positive . When children sense we are anxious , they may become anxious as well . This can be really tough if you ’ re feeling anxious or worried about her , so it ’ s important to check in with your own emotions as well , and get support if you need it . Keep in mind that there is no pressure to overhype it , and certainly you should validate your child ’ s concerns and listen to her fears and worries , but keeping a general sense of optimism will help your child feel more at ease .

2 . Get acquainted . If the school does an orientation , that is a great chance for you and your child to go and meet teachers and classmates . If not , it ’ s a good idea to arrange a tour of a school and a meeting with your child ’ s teacher . Prepare a one-page cheat sheet about your child for the teacher and include name and nickname , photo , medical conditions , likes and dislikes , interests and talents , etc . This will help the teacher get to know your child and give him or her some conversation starters for building a relationship . If you can arrange for your child to get acquainted with the teacher as well , that ’ s even better . If he can begin to form a relationship with the teacher before school starts , it will make the separation from you a bit easier . If you can set up a playdate with another child in his class a few times before school starts , having that familiar face in class will be a comfort and help to ease your child ’ s nerves .

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