Can you believe summer is
almost over? Many schools will be in session next week..yikes! Where does the
time go? If you are putting your little one in school for the first time, I am
sure you have many thoughts and fears (hopefully not too many) swirling through
your mind. By now, you've visited the school, met the director and teachers,
looked at the room, equipment and toys and made a couple of surprise visits, so
let's calm down. If your gut is telling you this is the right place even though
the butterflies just won't go away, believe in yourself and that wonderful
Mommy intuition.
One mommy told me her biggest fear was that the other toddlers would bully her son. Another mommy said she was worried that her little one would get sick at school and she wouldn't be able to leave work. When you're a parent, worrying comes with the territory. But in my experience, so many of these stressful thoughts never come to fruition.
Here are ten of my
favorite tips that really helped me:
- Write down your worries in a journal. And remember nothing has to be permanent. If things don't work out, you can always make a change.
- Do talk to your friends that have children in school and share your fears. Supportive friendships are worth their weight in gold.
- Don't tell your little one you're nervous. Only positive, upbeat talk about starting school.
- Always Have Plan B. Your little one will probably get sick at some point and not be able to go to school. Knowing who can be available with short notice will make your life easier.
- Make a list of the things your little one will need to take to school and make sure they are available. Too many trips to the store for forgotten items can be really stressful.
- If Show and Tell is part of the program, make a list of the things your little one can and cannot take to school. Things can and will get broken, so please don't send anything valuable.
- Let your child pick out a special blankie and lovey to take for nap time. Letting her make choices is so important for self esteem.
- If you're really sad, ask Daddy to take her the first day. He can take pictures on his smart phone so you can see what's happening.
- It's okay to cry but not in front of your little one, that's scary!
- When saying goodbye, don't
linger and never sneak out.
Before you leave, give your precious a kiss in each hand. Tell her they are to hold, just in case she needs them later. Then walk out the door with a big smile on your face and pride in your heart..another great milestone in the making. Ahh..Parenthood!
There came a moment quite
suddenly a mother realized that a child was no longer hers...without bothering
to ask or even give notice, her daughter had just grown up.
~Alice
Hoffman
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Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She is passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over twenty-five years, she wrote her third award-winning book, HELP! MY BABY CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS which is available at www.babyinstructions.com,,Amazon.com and all major bookstores . You can hear Blythe's weekly radio show on Wednesdays, 11am EST @ www.toginet.com Blythe is available for in-home, video and telephone consultations. Become her Fan on Facebook and Twitter at Baby Instructions. Blythe Lipman 2011