• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Helping young children start school

October 18, 2006 by GreatDad Writers 1 Comment

A new school year can make young children nervous, especially if they are entering a new environment. Whether they are starting preschool, kindergarten or first grade, some children may be worried about the new setting and the new experience, and there are things that parents and families can do to help their children make a successful transition.




  • First, discuss the changes that will be taking place. Before the new school year begins, talk with your child about the changes in his daily routine. Together, you could make a chart illustrated with photographs or pictures of the new morning schedule. Encourage him to describe how he feels about starting a new program or school and try to ease his fears. He may be nervous about new challenges and social interactions at school. Reading and discussing books is a great way to make him comfortable with a new experience. It helps him see how other children beginning school have similar feelings of uncertainty and how they overcome them.



  • In the days and weeks before school starts, help your child ease into the new environment and adjust to the new routine. Arrange to visit the school and classroom with your child, and, if possible, meet her teacher. This will help her become comfortable in her new environment while you are with her. Have her start her school-year bed time and morning routine a few days early. This may prevent her from being confused, groggy, or cranky on the first day of school. Arrange a playdate with another child from her class, preferably one-on-one, so that she knows someone in her class and will be more comfortable.



  • As school gets closer, your child can help get ready for the first day. Let him lay out his clothes or pack a back pack for the first day. If possible, arrive at the new school early on the first few days to give him time to settle in. Use this time walking or riding to school together, or waiting at the bus stop, to talk about what he can expect that day. Always say good-bye, and let him know you will see him at the end of the day. Your child will have an easier time with separation if he’s confident you will return to pick him up.


Problems may arise during the first few days of school, even with appropriate preparation, so be ready to handle them in a matter-of-fact way. Approach the new year with confidence, and your child will, too. Take time to make sure your child adapts to his new environment, clearly explain the changes around him, and listen if he has doubts or fears.


 


 


Reprinted with permission from National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Filed Under: Preschool

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mikel says

    November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Thanks for introducing a ltlite rationality into this debate.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

Hacking Life After 50 with Mark Barnes
byPaul Banas

Tune in to this episode with guest Mark Barnes and delve into the topics of finding purpose, setting goals, and navigating life transitions. Mark shares his insights and personal experiences on how dads can continue to thrive and find fulfillment as their children grow up and their own lives shift. From planning for the future to staying curious and staying in shape, Mark provides valuable advice and strategies for dads in different stages of life.

Navigate life\’s transitions with purpose and fulfillment by visiting Mark\’s website: 10publications.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

  • GreatDad.com/coaching
  • GreatDad.com/pq
  • Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC 50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50
Hacking Life After 50 with Mark Barnes
Hacking Life After 50 with Mark Barnes
September 26, 2023
Paul Banas
Building Authentic Connections with Ron Macklin
September 19, 2023
Paul Banas
Navigating College Admissions with Dr. Kuni Beasley
September 12, 2023
Paul Banas
Longevity and Healthy Aging with Al Lyman
September 7, 2023
Paul Banas
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Fatherhood with Cory Rankin
August 31, 2023
Paul Banas
The Role of Fathers in Parenting with Brent Dowlen
August 31, 2023
Paul Banas
Empowering Kids Through Sports with Antwaun Thompson
August 24, 2023
Paul Banas
Promoting Healthy Screen Time Habits with Hamel Shah
August 15, 2023
Paul Banas
Building Strong Connections through Family Meals with Jeff Christian
August 11, 2023
Paul Banas
Supporting Kids Through Sports with Michael Hubicki
August 1, 2023
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

How Podcasting Can Help Entrepreneurs with Evans Putnam

September 2, 2023 By Paul Banas

Making Financial Decisions with Jasper Smith

July 20, 2023 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2023 . GreatDad