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From the pages of Christian Parenting Today, Sept/Oct 1998
YOUR CHILD TODAY
5 T O 8 Y E A R S
First-Day-of-School Jitters
How to give your child a calm start
Whether your child
is starting a new grade or new school, she's probably experiencing those
Back-to-School Jitters. Here are ways you can help calm the fears:
-
Visit First. If your child will be attending a new school, arrange
to visit the classroom and meet the principal and teacher several weeks in
advance. Take a picture with your child's name on the back to give to the
teacher. Ask for a copy of the previous year's yearbook or class picture
to take home. Over the summer, familiarize your child with how she'll get
to school.
-
Find Out What's Hot. Ask teachers and other parents about the reigning
tastes in clothes and practices—like whether it's cool to bring lunches
in boxes or in bags. A new outfit can boost a child's confidence. Help your
child lay out school clothes the day before.
-
Go Easy on School Supplies. Unless you get a notice of what's required,
go easy on buying supplies. Teachers often give specific lists on the first
day. Besides, the promise of a shopping trip together after the first day
will give your child something to look forward to.
-
Sort the Feelings. Help your child put a name to her feelings and
let her know they're normal: "Honey, everyone has the jitters on the first
day of school. I did when I was going into second grade." Reassure her that
she will make friends and feel at home.
-
Help Him Feel Useful. Give your child something to think about other
than himself. You might say: "You are so good at making people feel comfortable.
Why not look for a chance to talk to someone who's lonely or scared?"
-
Plan the Day Before. Get everyone home early the day before school
starts. Help your child relax with a soak in the tub. Sit with her for a
glass of warm milk before bedtime.
-
Pack a Surprise. Lift your child's spirits with a tucked-in note,
a Bible verse, a favorite food or maybe a small gift to let him know you're
thinking of him.
-
Pray. Pray with your child before bed. In the morning, pray a blessing
over your child before she leaves for school—for example, Numbers 6:24-26:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Back to school—when children are required to buckle down to a more disciplined
routine—is a great time for parents to commit to more discipline, too. A
family prayer or devotional reading each morning before everyone goes separate
ways will draw you together as a family and help you focus on what matters
most. Nothing fancy required—some verses, a song, a prayer, a blessing.
On the days it just doesn't happen, let go of the guilt, but keep the blessing.
—Barbara Curtis
Mother of 11, educator and author
Petaluma, CA
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Copyright © 1998 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Parenting Today Magazine. For reprint information
call 630-260-6200 or e-mail
parentingfeedback@christianitytoday.com.
Sept/Oct 1998, Vol.11, No. 1, Page 56
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