The Second Day of School

Photo courtesy of: kai kalhh; courtesy of: Pixabay

So, your child's first day of Pre-K or Kindergarten came and went. Everything was perfect, you took your first day of school pictures, kissed your little one good-bye, and watched as they bravely walked into school with a big smile.

At dismissal, the teacher told you your child had a wonderful first day and you felt relieved that you didn't have to deal with the back to school blues.

But then...

Yes, I know, the second day of school arrived and with it came the water works and pleas to stay home. You feel confused and worried? You thought that your child liked school.

They were so excited to go and when they came home they talked for hours about how exciting everything was. What happened in 24 hours to change their minds?

There is so much excitement on the first day of school that some children don't have time to process everything right away. I think for these children the first day of school is like a field trip or a special visit to a new place.

After a few days, they begin to realize that this "school thing" is real and that they have to go everyday, and guess what? They don't want to go.

What are you going to do now?

Fortunately, I have a few suggestions to help with this dilemma.

*Understand that your child has been thrust into a brand new place, with new faces and new rules. We feel the same way when we start at a new job.

*If your child is having a hard time adjusting to a full school day, discuss a temporary 1/2 day option with the teacher and the school office. The school may not approve of this strategy, but it's worthy of a conversation.  An alternative strategy may come up during this discussion.

*Give your child a family photograph to keep with them during the school day.

*Many children who arrive to school in tears are often fine once they get settled in their classroom.

*Develop a routine and stick to it. When children know what to expect they feel safe. When they feel safe, they learn. When they learn, they thrive.

I hope this helps ease the transition for those children and parents who need extra time getting used to a new school year. If you have additional strategies that you think would be helpful please comment.

A really good book to read with your child about the anxiety of going to school: