How to Separate From Your Child On The First Day Of School
When your child goes to school for the first time it can be both delightful and disheartening especially if you are easily agitated. This day marks an important event in their life because it means that your little one is venturing out into a new environment that requires a great degree of independence and adaptation. This day will be the beginning of a phase that is necessary for your child's development and you should be there to guide your little bundle of joy into making that transition. It is usually an emotional moment because it signals the first day of growing up.
Be Proactive
Ensure that you make all the necessary preparations before you send your child off on their first day. It is a good idea to take your child to their new school before the actual first day of school. Try to get them to look around and get comfortable in the new environment. It will be easier for them to make the transition if they are already familiar with the environment and teachers. Children usually adjust faster if they are accustomed to their environment.
Anticipate The Tears
There is nothing strange about children who cry on their first day of school. In fact, the child who does not cry is often considered a rarity. So be prepared for the tears and loads and loads of them. Many children at this stage are afraid of being separated from their parents. This change is very scary for our little ones and we must do what we can to make them comfortable. However, it is important to note that your child will eventually settle down and their crying usually dies down after about 20 minutes. In addition, teachers are professionals in their field and they are trained to handle this situation.
Get Busy
Most, if not all, well-adjusted parents dislike the idea of seeing their kids cry. It really does not matter if it simply is a phase, parents do not want to see tears streaming down their kid's face. It automatically signals distress (even if that is not the case) and they will try to quickly find a solution. Therefore, it is in your best interest to plan ahead, do something meaningful after you drop your child off. The more engaged you are, the less inclined you will be to worry or feel guilty or sorry for your child. If this is the first time you are being separated, then it will likely lessen the urge to go back for your child. This is a good way to keep your thoughts positive while you accomplish certain personal goals.
Ideas of things to do include:
- Exercise. Now that your child is at school, you have the time to exercise seriously.
- Visit your physician. It's easy to push off doctor appointments for yourself when you have the kids around. Be sure to ask him/her about nutritional supplements that can ease stress and provide you with missing nutrients from your diet.
- Rekindling friendships. Instead of making play dates for your kids, enjoy an adult morning with your friends.
- Log more work hours. Summer can be a real strain for working moms. Make the most of your time alone by catching up on your work.
Separate From Your Child Quickly!
It will do neither of you any good if you linger around the school for a long time because this will only serve to make leaving far more difficult. So make it less painful by leaving quickly. Say your goodbyes very quickly and try to reassure your child that they will be fine. Try not to look sad, worried or agitated since your child will pick up on your signals, but try to look calm (fake it if you must) and then leave quickly. A quick dash will prevent you from seeing the tears and will prevent you from returning to offer comfort.
