Local Montessori school gives advice on how to have a great first day of school with your child

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The first day of school, no matter what your age is, can be a bit daunting. Whether it is the very first day of kindergarten, a new school, or just a new grade, children and their parents alike experience a bit of nervousness walking into the new school year.

“Transitioning back into ‘school mode’ after three months of summer can be a challenge for any student, let alone a student entering a new school environment,” said Rosemary Brumbelow, Head of School and founder of Esprit International School in The Woodlands.

Esprit’s passion is to help parents all around the community to have a meaningful first day of school with their children.

“Students are not the only ones who can have first day of school jitters,” said Brumbelow. “Frequently, it’s the parents that are even more anxious. The children will most likely overcome their trepidation once classes start and the unknown is made known and friends are made; the parents are often left alone to converse with only their fears.”

Parents may be tempted to chronicle the entire first day for the scrapbook or social media; however, Brumbelow stresses the importance of being present. She has put together a list of four suggestions that will ensure a wonderful first day of school experience for the family.

· Be prepared – The night before, spend some quality time with your child. Have them help you prepare their lunch for the next day, lay out their clothes, talk about their new schedule. Being prepared helps to ease the nerves the following morning. Don’t forget to sneak a note in their lunch to give remind them at lunchtime that they are loved and bolster their confidence.

· Put down the phone – Leave the technology in the car and focus on the moment. Many parents are too focused taking a photo and capturing the memory that they are not really engaged in the moment. Social media can wait; walk your child in, hold their hand and let them know that you are there for them.

· Let the child lead – No one likes to be forced to say hello or engage before they are ready. Remember this is an important day for your child and to let them lead. Don’t force them to meet their teacher or other students right away; instead, let them observe and assimilate into the classroom at their own pace.

· Be confident – Remember that children are constantly feeding off of parents’ energy. Show them how easy it is to say hello, or engage in conversation with someone. Don’t say, “Mommy will be back soon to get you.” Instead be confident and tell them how much fun they are going to have.

Follow these tips and you can be happily confident that your child is going to have a great first day at school.