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ARTICLE / FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Anxiety
AND the First
Day of School
Children desperately need interaction with key
adults to develop their little personalities, to
develop language and communication skills
E
ntering a new environment
filled with unfamiliar
people can cause anxiety
for children -- and their parents!
Find out how to overcome
the separation anxiety that
accompanies a child’s first day of
school.
What You Can Do
Before School
Preparing your child for school
before his first day can greatly
reduce any separation anxiety
your child may feel when you
leave. Here are some ways to
familiarize your child with his new
environment:
I
ntroduce your child ahead of
time to common school activities,
such as drawing pictures or
storytelling.
V
isit your child’s classroom a
few times before school starts to
familiarize her with the space.
H
ave your child meet his
teacher.
Don’t minimize the importance of
easing your fears as well as your
child’s. If you feel guilty or worried
about leaving her at school, your
child will probably sense that.
The more calm and assured you
are, the more confident your child
will be.To prepare you for the
upcoming tear-filled good-bye:
Saying goodbye on that first day can be the
hardest moment for parents and children
PAGE 46 / NORTHERN HILLS / CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2014
A
sk your child’s teacher what her
procedure is when children are
crying for their parents. Make
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