First Day Of School
Hatfield Montessori Preschool reopens on the 22 nd January 2024. For some of the children this will
be their first experience of attending school and being away from a parent. Much of what was said in
the previous blog about “Transitions” will apply.
The first day of school can be a challenging and emotional time for both of you.
You may feel a mix of pride, sadness, anxiety, and guilt as you say goodbye to your little one. But
don’t worry, you are not alone in this. Many parents go through the same experience and there are
some helpful tips to ease the transition. Here are some of them:
Prepare yourself and your child in advance
Talk to your child about what to expect at school, what they will do, who they will meet, and how much fun they will have. Read books or watch videos about starting school together. Visit the school before the first day and meet the teachers if possible. Make sure your child has everything they need for school, such as clothes, backpack, lunch, etc.
Establish a routine and a ritual
Having a consistent morning routine can help your child feel more secure and confident. Follow the same steps every day, such as waking up, having breakfast, getting dressed, and packing for school. Create a special goodbye ritual, such as a hug, a kiss, a wave, or a secret handshake. This can help your child feel loved and reassured that you will come back later.
Be positive and supportive
Smile and show enthusiasm when you drop off your child at school. Tell them how proud you are of them and how much you love them. Avoid expressing your own worries or sadness in front of them, as this can make them more anxious. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of school, such as learning new things, making friends, and having fun.
Make a clean and quick break
Don’t linger or sneak away when you leave your child at school. This can make them more upset and insecure. Instead, say goodbye confidently and firmly, and let them know when you will be back. Trust the teacher and the staff to take care of your child and handle any separation issues. If your child cries or clings to you, don’t panic or feel guilty, this is a normal reaction and it will get better with time.
Take care of yourself
Leaving your child at school can be hard for you too. You may feel a sense of loss, emptiness, or loneliness. It’s important to acknowledge and accept your feelings, and not to bottle them up. Talk to someone you trust, such as your partner, a friend, a family member, or a counsellor. Find ways to cope with your emotions, such as writing a journal, doing some exercise, joining a support group, or pursuing a hobby. Remember that this is a new stage of your life and your relationship with your child, and that you can still be a loving and involved parent.
Finally here is a poem called “Dear Parent” written by Leonie Roberts:
I understand that you are scared
to wave your child goodbye
and leave him in a teacher’s hands.
Don’t worry if you cry!I’m used to weeping parents
It’s hard to leave I know.But it’s time to share him (just a bit)
To help him learn and grow.Let me reassure you
That I’ll give your child my best
I’ll wipe his tears, soothe his fears
And change his dirty vest!If your darling child is full of cold
I’ll blow their nose all day
Just like you, I’ll care for them
In a special way.I’ll treat him like I would my own
I’ll catch him from a fall and
If there is ANY problem
I’ll be sure to tell you all.It’s true he’ll grow to love us
They’ll talk of school a lot
It doesn’t mean they hate you
And that you should lose the plot!I’ll tell you a secret…
That when your child is here
They talk to me as much of you
Of this please have no fear.You’ll always be their mother
Whilst teachers come and go
To them you are their number one
This I truly know.Soon you’ll see some changes
In your little girl or boyThey’ll become more independent
And to see this, it’s a joy!I’ll teach them all I have to give
To share, to climb, to write
But to you they safely will return
To tuck them in at night.With love from a teacher…
I hope these tips can help you and your child have a smooth and happy first day of school. If you
need more information or advice, you can SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER or FOLLOW OUR BLOG. ALTERNATIVELY, check out these resources:
Helped by: Conversation with Bing on1/3/2024
- 9 Ways to Ease Baby Separation Anxiety – Verywell Family.https://www.verywellfamily.com/working-moms-ease-separation-anxiety-3545065.
- How to say goodbye when your child leaves home – The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/sep/18/parents-coping-when-children-leave-home.
- First Day of Preschool: Tips for Separation Anxiety and More – Parents. https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/separation-anxiety/overcoming-separation-anxiety/.
- Parent’s emotional poem about first day of school and teacher’s reply https://www.madeformums.com/news/starting-school-the-mums-dear-teacher-poem-you-need-to-read-and-the-teachers-reply/.