Bye-Bye Blues!
Greetings White Pine Elementary Parents! It is almost time to come back to school! Like me, most of the students are excited to meet new teachers, open brand new boxes of pencils and crayons and get to work! However, some students have a little trouble with the transition to school routines and leaving their family for the day. Here are a few tips to help your student get ready for that first morning drop off.
1. Get to know your teachers! We would love for you to come to our Back to School Night on Monday, August 19th to meet your teacher, tour the classroom and become familiar with our school! Knowing what to expect and seeing a friendly face in a new environment can help lessen anxiety. Here are the assigned times:
A-H: 5:00-6:00
I-Q: 6:00-7:00
R-Z: 7:00-8:00
2. Prepare for the morning! Set out school supplies and clothes the night before. Go over what the morning will look like. Establish a predictable morning routine that works for you and stick with it!
Wake up
Get dressed
Eat Breakfast
Brush teeth and hair
Gather school things
Hop in the car!
School Drop off with a special wave or hug!
3. Create a predictable Goodbye Ritual! In the book, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, Chester Racoon and his mom decide a kiss on Chester’s palm will help him through the day. Listen to the book here: 'The Kissing Hand' read by Barbara Bain
Some ideas for a ritual of your own: read a book together, create a special wave or hand shake, play with a special toy on the way to school, have a special phrase you repeat to one another. Be consistent with the ritual and don’t let it balloon into something more complicated. Keep it simple!
4. Know what is normal. Some clinginess, tears and anxiety are a normal sign of a healthy attachment to a parent. Transitions can take time! It is okay to cry or miss a parent. It is even okay to feel angry at a parent for leaving. Talk about these feelings with your child and let them know you understand. If your child is experiencing trouble sleeping, or is getting sick regularly, it might be time to talk to your pediatrician about next steps.
5. Stay positive! We can do hard things! Remind your child you will be right there after school to pick them up and that big feelings will pass. They have done difficult things before and they are strong! Be sure to keep your emotions positive and save your own tears until after drop off.
6. Be persistent! Avoid saying, “I will pick you up at lunch” or letting them leave early. Enforcing negative behavior makes it more difficult for everyone in the long run.
7. Talk to Mrs. Katie! I want each of our White Pine Cougars to feel confident in their ability to stay through the school day. If you need a little extra assistance, feel free to reach out to me. I am here to help!
