OVERCOMING THE QUEASIES
When Your Child Is Nervous About the First Day of School
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arents all know about the firstday-of-school queasies. Having a nervous kiddo is so hard and shifts your “mama and papa bear” instincts into high gear. Maybe your children are in full meltdown mode. Maybe the anxiety is subtle. Either way, all you want is to calm their nerves. Our hope is to help you help them combat some of those firstday butterflies. The best way to ease the queasies is to prepare kids as much as you can beforehand while remaining calm and positive. Run through their routine a few times. If they’re going to ride the bus, practice waiting at the bus stop with them. Practice driving them to school. Predictability will be their best friend.
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kcparent.com august 2021
We’ve provided a few tips for kids of all ages—whether it’s their first or fifth year of school—to make the day less intimidating.
Meet and talk about the teacher
This activity will help both younger and older kiddos with the jitters. A new year with new teachers can be intimidating, but getting to know them ahead of time may ease this transition. Attend any and all back-to-school nights or open houses, so you can get acquainted. Schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting. Email them questions your student might have. Lastly, talk with your kids afterward about the interactions.
Practice first-day conversations
Maybe your middle schooler has anxiety about what she’ll say to potential new friends and gets tongue-tied. Practice chatting and making small talk, so she has ideas about what to say if she’s feeling nervous or inhibited.
Stay positive
It’s tough when you’re so empathetic to your child’s anxieties, but try to stay calm, upbeat and positive. This will reassure your kids everything will go smoothly.
Role play and pretend play
For younger kiddos, or those starting preschool or kindergarten, use pretend play to prepare them. Use their stuffed animal friends
