1. Be Prepared
Make sure you prepare everything a day before. This is to prevent last minute stress in the morning before school. Use a check-list if you are unsure. Make sure you pack a full water bottle for your child to keep him/her hydrated at all times in school. Try not to supply snacks to your child as food will be provided.
Sample Check-list to Bring for Kindergarten:
- School uniform, black shoes & white socks – no jewellery
- Water Bottle (label if possible)
- Extra Clothes – only for first week
- Mini Towel – only for first week
- School Bag – bring Power Starters Book
Note: 2nd January to 11th January is Orientation. Books – labelled and named written – will be released gradually. Stationary will be provided by the school.
Sample Check-list to Bring for Childcare – in addition to the kindergarten items:
- Creative Academy Bag
- Afternoon Clothes
- Talcum Powder
- Comb
- Soap & Shampoo – remain in school
- Bath Towel
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Milk Bottles & Milk Powder
- Diapers – if applicable
2. Be Rested
Make sure you and your child are tucked in early and well rested for the next day. Make sure you and your child drink enough water before sleep.
3. Mentally Prepared
Things rarely go as we planned. Expect things to go wrong. Expect your child to be uneasy on the first day of school – even to the point of crying hysterically and vomiting. This is normal. Pass your child to the teacher and keep your goodbyes short and sweet. The longer you linger, the harder it is for your child to normalise. Most children normalise in a week or so. Consult the teacher if you are having problems with your child going to school.
4. Routine
If your child is used to waking up late, establish a routine of sleep early and wake up early two weeks before school. This way, you will condition your child to wake up early.
5. Be prepared for pick up after school
If it is possible, arrange for punctual pick up after school for the first few days. This is to ensure that your child will feel secure.
6. Breakfast
This is the most important meal of the day. I would suggest a light breakfast – 20 mins before leaving home – for the first few days. A quick and easy breakfast would be cereal with milk. Avoid providing your child with a high sugar breakfast.
7. Be Firm
The most important point is that you must be consistently firm. If a child is not too exposed to people and the environment outside of home, or if he/she is inadvertently shy by nature, then it will take time for him/her to adjust. Support and encourage your child but be firm when it comes to going to school. It can be extremely challenging – especially for mums – but time will show the results of your efforts.
See you soon.