Even though my daughter is in her last year of preschool, she still has jitters. Will she make new friends? Who will she get used to her teachers? What will the day be like? She keeps asking these questions and saying “I hope it’s like last year.”
I’ve been assuring her that all will be great and she’ll see her old friends and make new ones, just like in year’s past. But, sometimes little chats don’t cut it. In an effort to prepare her for her first day, I’ve been doing a couple of things to get her ready.
Here are some of my tips to help ease the school fears for little ones
Books that can help:
- The Kissing Hand – The perfect book for young students going to school for the first time or for those who have anxiety about going to school.
- Puddle’s New School – About a duck who longs to go to school like the older ducklings, but it’s time for him to start he’s suddenly frightened.
Fun way to help ease fears:
- Magic Mists – Keeps kids focused on the magic of childhood! Magic Mists are fun, essential oil sprays that allow kids to feel empowered and in control!
- The idea: Magic Mists help to create a scent association that is designed to aid in your son or daughter learning how to self-sooth.
Other ways to help:
- Visit the new school. Or drive by it.
- Host a play date with a child from their class so they can get to know their classmates better, meet at a park etc..
- Develop a goodbye routine. Kids always do better when they know what to expect. Rehearse and plan your goodbyes before the start of school.
I recently went on The Rhode Show on WPRI-12 to share these tips, check out the below video to hear more!