Ample playtime
Do not assume your child is getting all the playtime and socialization they need in one day of school. Students know they have to behave a certain way at school. At home children can be themselves and are relaxed around their family and friends. Children need both types of socialization, playing with friends at school, and playing with friends away from school.
Drop off
If your child has a difficult time letting you go when you drop off in the morning create a routine for you and your child. Let your child know that when you arrive at school you will help him/her get ready (take off coat, put on indoor shoes, etc), then you will give him/her a big hung and kiss and you will wave goodbye. They will head into the classroom and you will leave for work. They can also wave to you from the waving window.
Your child may still cry but it is easier than prolonging drop off, which can distress your child even more. 99% of the time students are upset when the parents leave and are completely fine within 3-5 minutes if not instantly after their parent leaves. It is the parents who suffer the most with drop off.
Your child may still cry but it is easier than prolonging drop off, which can distress your child even more. 99% of the time students are upset when the parents leave and are completely fine within 3-5 minutes if not instantly after their parent leaves. It is the parents who suffer the most with drop off.
Dressing for school
Teachers completely understand that children need to be themselves, but dressing up as a princess or superhero causes distractions throughout the school day.
What happens when a child wears a costume at school:
1. The child will focus on their appearance all day.
2. The child will focus on getting the attention of others all day.
3. If the child's costume gets dirty or ripped the child is distressed the rest of the day.
Let your child choose what they want to wear from their wardrobe (not pre-made costumes). It doesn't matter if it matches, is on backwards, or the wrong size. What is important is they are getting dressed and coming up with their own style is a big achievement for them.
What happens when a child wears a costume at school:
1. The child will focus on their appearance all day.
2. The child will focus on getting the attention of others all day.
3. If the child's costume gets dirty or ripped the child is distressed the rest of the day.
Let your child choose what they want to wear from their wardrobe (not pre-made costumes). It doesn't matter if it matches, is on backwards, or the wrong size. What is important is they are getting dressed and coming up with their own style is a big achievement for them.
Pick your battles
It is sometimes better to let something go than to try and make it a teachable moment, or even a power struggle. Put yourself in the child's shoes: Is the child tired? Did he/she have a rough morning? Is he/she getting sick? etc. Learn to know when to let it go. If you are finding it difficult to not be in control you might need to take a step back and ask yourself, "Why you can't let it go?".
Picnic towel
We love to eat outdoors!
Get an old twin sheet and cut it in half. Place an old towel in-between one half of the sheet and sew up the sides. Sew a horizontal line and a vertical line across the picnic towel. This makes the towel sturdy and not bunch up in the middle. Getting all the pine needles and other objects out of a bath towel, beach towel, or blanket, is almost impossible but I have found that they never stick to the sheet and it is easier to clean. (Makes 2)
Get an old twin sheet and cut it in half. Place an old towel in-between one half of the sheet and sew up the sides. Sew a horizontal line and a vertical line across the picnic towel. This makes the towel sturdy and not bunch up in the middle. Getting all the pine needles and other objects out of a bath towel, beach towel, or blanket, is almost impossible but I have found that they never stick to the sheet and it is easier to clean. (Makes 2)
Resources for you and your child
* Four Winds Nature Institute: Time in Nature - Ideas for Families with Young Children