First Day is a big deal for a child and for the parents

In anticipation of the first day of Kindergarten, parents please do not emphasize that you will miss your child while they are gone. Try to hold back your tears even if you have tears of pride and/ or  disbelief that your child has grown up so fast. Cry when you get in your car or on your walk out . When you cry, or talk about how much you’ll miss your child , it does not make your child  feel good, it makes your child worry  about you .It changes their focus for the day to you not them. I know all parents want the focus to be on their child so be careful .  You crying can even make other parents or kids cry. One child crying can affect another and start a whole line of crying people. This day is a celebration , let’s try to prevent the tears even if they are tears of pride or happiness,. My  suggestion?  Come to school with a smile on your face and  pep your step.  If you anticipate separating will be a problem  , or even if you just want a back up plan,  create a special departure handshake /hug and/ or a phrase to say while you hug like -“When school is done we can have some fun.”” A mantra, something positive that can be part of the morning routine. Something positive said  is a nice idea because if I remember on school my mornings my words were in the shouting category ” I am not going to tell you again. ” Get up ! ” ” Hurry up !! and “We are going to be late !”  were the regulars . Be super positive at any drop off and have a peppy, happy voice ,last words stay with people of all ages. Don’t forget especially the first day to  emphasize how great a day they will have , how much you look forward to hearing about everything. It has been my experience that  children will copy your energy. 90% of the time,Kindergarteners will stop crying the minute they know you are leaving no matter how much they fuss .

Our school has a “Boo-Hoo, Woo Hoo” gathering right after the first day morning drop off . At our site, the first day is the only day parents of grade 1-5 students are allowed to come with their child on the yard. I love this WooHoo/BooHoo event because it gives Boo Hoo parents some place to go and talk , be consoled or meet other parents . Parents get to hang a little longer but teachers can get on with getting the kids into class. The Woo Hoo parents go to the event to help reassure the boo hoo-ing parents and reconnect with  friends they have not seen all summer. If you don’t have this event suggest it to your PTA. Getting involved in the PTA at your school is a great way to get be part of the education team!