ABOVE // A pre-tears Alexis Patterson with her son on his first day of pre-K.
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NOTE
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RE-K WAS THE HARDEST. My son had been to preschool the year prior, but it lasted just a few hours a couple of days a week, and I waited nearby. Pre-K was the first time my house would be quiet for a full day, five days a week. My tears flowed as readily as his did at that initial drop-off. Kindergarten was at a new school; I prepared for a tough goodbye, but he grinned sweetly as I left on the first day. First grade started virtually, and that was hard in unexpected ways. Second grade was another new school, and while there were no tears, my heart twisted as I hoped he would quickly feel at home. And now we’ve reached third grade. I always miss my kiddo when he’s away, even if it’s just 7:40am to 2:55pm. But I feel much better this year. No changing schools, and he has a wonderful group of friends. I’m thankful, even if it means waking up extra early, packing the daily lunch and leaving behind the carefree stretch of summer. This issue has a host of resources to help you navigate a new school year. Check out the expert advice for the best way to praise a child’s accomplishments (page 9). We have a comprehensive look at school safety measures, including actions you can take as a parent and how to talk to your kids about drills and shootings (page 28). On the learning differences front, we asked an integrative pediatrician to weigh in on alternative treatments for ADHD (page 12). There’s a lot more packed in these pages, from a chat with the mom behind ZUBI’S Latin dips (page 15) to our Mom-Approved wellness providers—therapists, counselors and others, all nominated by our readers (page 22). For parents of children with special needs, we’re covering elopement (when a child darts off from a caregiver; page 33), tips for fitness (page 36) and more. From all of us at DFWChild, have a great school year. By the way, if you don’t have that picture-perfect, day one chalk sign detailing your child’s stats and favorites, it’s OK. Snap a quick pic with your phone, send them into school and get on with your day. Mom tears optional.
Sincerely,
6
august/september 2022 | DFWCHILD
here we go
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXIS PATTERSON
hello / E D I T O R ’ S
