I’m right there with you mamas-I can’t believe summer is coming to an end! Whether you and your kiddo(s) are feeling confident to start or anxious and unsure (sometimes all of the above), making the transition from summer mode to the first day of school (or a child care setting) can be a little easier with some prep work!
With that being said, I am in no way an expert. I am a mom to a 5-year-old entering Kindergarten (how did we get here so fast?!) and a 2-year-old returning to a Mother’s Day Out program. Believe me, this has been a trial and error adventure with continued learning along the way… such is motherhood am I right? I have found these tangible steps helpful in preparing my little ones each new year and I hope this is helpful to another family as well no matter the transition circumstance!
1. Read books
Anytime there has been a big transition coming up in our household (e.g., dropping the paci, adding a sibling, potty training, starting pre-k) my favorite go-to is to read books about it! Trust me, there is a BOOK. FOR. EVERYTHING. I have found reading books helps to provide a better understanding of expectations, can lead to your kiddo asking questions sparking convo, and repetition increases familiarity! Making the books come alive by replacing the character’s name with your kid’s name, changing voices, and making memories anticipating these transitions is my favorite! You can request different books from the local library to add to your rotation if you don’t want to add to your own library OR there are tons of great first day of school books out there. You can also make your own book about the experience your child is about to begin. Add your own pictures and read on repeat! Here are a few suggestions of first day of school or anticipation of separation books:
· The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
· The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
· The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (there are a TON of night before books for every anticipatory occasion!)
· Soar by Hillary Daecher
· There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books by Lucille Colandro
· If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
· Who You Were Made To Be by Joanna Gaines
· The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague
· First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
· Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
2. Establish routines before start date
We all know kids thrive off routine and so do we! In an attempt to minimize first day struggles, establishing routines ahead of the big day will increase the chances the first day will go a lot smoother.
· Sleep: Practice early bedtime/early waking in advance. Summertime has us going to bed and waking up at all different hours!
· Meals: Have your little(s) practice opening their lunchbox, water, and any food containers in advance to encourage independence! Depending on the age of kiddo, this will be important as they will not get as much one on one help the older they get.
· Toileting: Find out how the school/center handles this so you can make sure your child knows what to expect/can practice especially if they are potty trained.
· Goodbye: My daughter initially had a hard time with goodbyes and still does sometimes! Creating a consistent routine was helpful as she always knew what to expect and knew mom/dad were coming back. You can role play/practice! Tears may be inevitable, but remaining consistent and not lingering is helpful!
3. Create an organization system for your family to remember important dates
· Download any apps your school/childcare uses to track activity and announcements.
· Create a system that works for your style and family! Visual calendars, shared calendars, apps- log those important dates provided by the school ahead of time so you can request off work if applicable and/or plan accordingly.
· Bookmark school’s website and check periodically for important updates as well.
4. Get your kiddo(s) involved in the prep-work!
· Create visuals! Use a calendar to mark off each day until school starts or glue links of paper with the number of days remaining to help them countdown.
· If applicable, take them back to school shopping (even if you do the majority on your own/online). Having them participate in some way may increase their excitement about returning/starting.
· Participate in picking an outfit in advance, packing lunch, etc.
5. Become familiar with the environment
· This one is so helpful for my kids! Visit the school grounds, walk around, play on the playground, make the drive, go on a tour, meet the teacher ahead of the big day. Familiarity will help ease jitters on the first day for kids and parents!
6. Prep as much as you can the night before
· This goes without saying, the morning just runs smoother the more you have ready to go!
· Consider taking the “first day of school” pictures the day before so you/your kiddo aren’t frustrated or stressed. No one will ever know the difference!
· Consider sticker labels for lunches, clothing, backpack, jackets-quick to do and easy to remove!
7. Create a fun breakfast tradition
· Create a fun first day of school breakfast tradition to help set the tone for the rest of the day! Stick with variations of tried and true favorites you know they will eat. This can be a tradition for years and years to come!
8. Send a special reminder of home
· Depending on school/daycare rules- send a lovey, blanket, or comfort item from home.
· Consider matching items for caregiver and littles such as mom and me bracelets, drawn hearts on hand, brave dad and me band aids, etc. They can touch/look at it if they miss home. I have vivid memories of my mom sending me to kindergarten with a pin on my shirt that I touched and looked at often when I missed home and I remember how comforting it was!
· Adding a special handwritten lunch note with encouragement, a drawing or xoxo from the family is a nice addition! My daughter looks forward to it every day! (**shout out to Dear Ellie James who creates the cutest lunch notes to make your little’s day! Check her out on socials!)
Hopefully, one or all of these tips were a great reminder or sparked some ideas for the upcoming year ahead. Emotions will be present and that’s A-Okay! It’s definitely normal for kiddos to be more emotional for the first few weeks as your household adjusts. I know it's cliché to say, but it does get easier with time and practice! Until then, take a deep breath, grab a coffee or reheat the one you made for the 10th time and share your experiences with a mom friend or several (especially at a FIT4MOM class after drop off). It sure helps. We are all in this together and I promise you, you are NOT alone.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy year! Let’s do this!
Xoxo, Audrey Anderson