"First Day Jitters"

If children are just starting school, whether it is preschool or kindergarten, or if they are changing schools, they usually feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. It is natural to feel both of these emotions. Until your child is past the period of adjustment to a new situation, you can expect to regularly encounter mixed emotions about going to school.

However, there are things that you can do to decrease the apprehension and to increase the anticipation. Children need to feel a sense of security about a new situation. One of the ways in which they develop this is through knowing what to expect. How can they learn this? There are several things you can do.

Call and find out if you can visit the school and see your child's classroom before school starts. Talk to your child about what s/he will do at school. Go shopping for school supplies and discuss how your child will use them at school. Share books with your child that talk about daily activities at school and that address children's fears about beginning school. There are many good books.

"Sam and Gram and the First Day of School"
"Sam and Gram and the First Day of School" (compare prices) is an excellent book to use. It was written by Dianne Blomberg, Ph.D. and has engaging watercolor illustrations by George Ulrich. The book was published under the auspices of the American Psychological Association. It was specifically designed to help parents prepare children for kindergarten or first grade. In addition to the story, there are two sections for parents. The first contains questions for parents to ask their children to prompt discussion about how they feel about going to school. The second contains suggestions about things parents can do with their children to prepare them for school.

The story itself centers on Sam, who is used to spending the day with his Gram until his parents get home from work. Sam is worried he will miss his family while he is at school, and indeed, that is what happens. However, Sam goes on to become involved in enjoyable activities with the other children. When he gets home, he tells his Gram about his day, including how he missed his family. She gently points out that at school he will be making many new friends. Sam realizes he is already beginning to make friends. By the time his mother calls to find out how his day was, Sam has decided that he had a very good day at school.

"The Berenstain Bears Go to School"
"The Berenstain Bears Go to School" (compare prices) will be particularly effective if your child already enjoys, as so many children do, the series by Stan and Jan Berenstain. In this story, school is about to start. Brother Bear is looking forward to returning to school, but Sister Bear is entering school for the first time and is apprehensive. She and her mother visit her classroom and meet her teacher before school starts, which helps. Off Sister Bear goes on the first day of school with Brother Bear. Sister Bear is delighted to see friends on the school bus, but she and the other little ones get quieter and quieter as the bus nears the school. At school, she is at first a little scared but enjoys painting, playing, and listening to stories. By day's end, she is glad to be in kindergarten.

A common thread in both of these stories is the acknowledgement that children may be scared about school and may miss their families. Another is that at school there will be a teacher, other children, and enjoyable activities. These are good books to read over and over again with your child. They will help to bring out any questions or concerns your child has. Hopefully, they will also lessen apprehensions about school.