Easing the Transition: 8 Tips for the First Day for Parents
Lower School Director of Counseling Ms. Julia Johnson gives parents tips to make the transition smooth on the first day of school to prevent separation anxiety.
We understand that leaving your children to explore and learn new things without you is a scary thing for everyone, but it is also very exciting!
We wanted to provide some information for all incoming children and their parents in hopes to help ease this transition into a new school year. We are excited to have you, and we hope that you are just as excited to join our family!
Below you will find some tips and information on easing any separation anxiety that comes with starting school, which can be useful at any age and grade level!
1. Make and Practice a Goodbye Ritual
Plan how you and your child will say goodbye. Maybe it’s a big hug followed by a high five. Maybe it’s a quick secret handshake. Practice your goodbye ritual for brief separations, like when your child spends the afternoon with an aunt or goes to a drop off playdate so that the ritual is familiar when it’s time for school2. Do a Practice Run
If possible, participate in school functions to prepare for that first day. If you can make it to Open House events, make the walk to the classroom to gain comfort with the building. If not, make the walk or drive to school so that your child can see what the drop off will look like.3. Read about It
Pick up some books to talk about the feeling surrounding separation. Llama Llama Misses Mama is a great story that illustrates some of the worries and panic associated with separation. The Kissing Hand provides a sweet strategy for families to use to help kids with separation anxiety. A kiss on the palm and a palm to the heart can remind kids that families love them even when they are apart!4. Stick to a Routine
Regular bedtime routines? Important. Predictable morning routine? Super important. Stick to a routine to give your child a comfortable schedule leading up to school. Make sure your child is on time for school so they can participate in morning routines too. Missing morning structure or instructions can leave your child feeling lost and more anxious. Finally, fill your child in on the daily schedule. Let them know when they can expect to see you again.5. Pack a Transitional Object
Pack a small, familiar object to help ease the transition. Tuck a family photo in your child’s backpack, a little note on the front of their folder, or small pocket heart in your child’s pocket as a reminder that they’re still loved and connected, even when you’re apart.6. Show Excitement
When you talk about school and the changes ahead, show your child that you’re excited! Instead of focusing on the separation with statements like, “I’m really going to miss you while you’re at school,” say things like, “It’s going to be so cool to get to do science experiments at school!” or “I can’t wait to hear about all the things you learn!” to let your child know that school experiences will be exciting and fun.7. Validate Feelings
If your child expresses some sadness or worry about going to school, validate their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel that way. Redirect the conversation to things they can do if they feel worried at school, like talking to the school counselor Ms. Julia, holding on to their transitional object, and taking deep breaths.8. Model a Positive Goodbye
When it’s time to say goodbye, do your goodbye ritual and then model a positive goodbye. Give your child a big smile with a confident posture, tell them you can’t wait to hear about their day, and then head out! Your child will pick up on your positive energy! And when you get to your car it’s okay to finally let out all of those tears!Your child(ren) will be in the best possible hands and we cannot wait to help them grow, learn, and explore at Rabun Gap! Lead The Way!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ms. Julia Johnson serves as our Director of Counseling at the Evelyne Sheats Lower School. In her role, Ms. Johnson works with our youngest students on wellness initiatives and in social and emotional areas. She is a member of the administrative team at the Lower School as a partner with parents and teachers.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
