The Countdown is On

The countdown is on towards my #1 baby’s first day of school. Honestly, I’m still not sure how he just turned 5! I reached out to my fabulous friends and bloggers to ask them for advice on how to survive the first day of school. I needed their insight and strength on this one, and they compiled quite a list. So if you’re facing down that very big step of the first step of school ever… take heed of those who have been there & done that.

Prep Them Before They Get There

“Take your child to the playground or to meet at the school before the first day. We’ve been playing on the playgrounds, riding our bikes around the school grounds and exploring nearby for the summer so I hope this makes school a cool place to be.”
-Holly from The Inspired Home

“Pack their lunch in their lunch container before the first day of school and practice eating it. Read stories about first day of school. Stories help kids out words to their emotions and give them a context to discuss it. It may open up some good conversations and worries before the day gets here. Don’t tell them what bad things could happen. Deal with any problems as then arise rather than create fear. Kids will rise to the expectations quickly!”
-Sara from Green Moms Collective

Just Let It Out

“That kids feed off of your emotions. Be happy, positive, excited and then once you’re in the car just let that sobbing out.”
–Christine from Just Another Edmonton Mommy

Relax, It’s the First of Many New Experiences

“Be happy! Yes of course there will be tears, but remember this is the start of something exciting and amazing for them. An entire new aspect of the world is about to be opened to them. Education, New Friends, Endless Stories about their day will be told to you. Their lives are about to change for the better, embrace it!”
–Allison Rouble

“Make the first day exciting. I actually took a ton of pictures so they had fun doing that. I let them know how they will get to use all their new school stuff the night before. My youngest road the bus to school on his first day so I waved to him and he was excited.”
-Diane Welburn

Be Prepared and Communicate

“The first day of school can be stressful for both parents and children. Try to have everything packed and ready the night before to make the morning smooth.
Going into the school to get them to their classroom is fine, but try to make a fairly quick exit. They may be upset with you leaving, but remember, they have many distractions and the teachers will keep them occupied. They will stop crying or fussing before you even leave the parking lot. You on the other hand, may be a blubbering mess for a while. Do not let them see that! When they come home, let them tell you all about their day, no interruptions. Even the smallest details of their day will seem extremely important to them at this age. Enjoy the experience, and be proud you got through the day as well!”
-Ruth from everythingunscripted.com

“Communicate with your child and your child’s teacher. I found checking in via planner, phone or a quick chat after school really helped us all with the transition to school. Being able to talk about any worries you or your child has right away is important. Teachers are happy to chat about their schedule, routine and anything they think your child may require to make it a great experience.”
–Kim from Tales of a Ranting Ginger

Go home and let them ride the bus

“Go home! … I’m that happy “go get em and have a great day” mom. Proud of my kids’ independence. Go forth and do epic stuff! Can’t wait to see what you did when you get home.  Remember your first day of school? It was exciting! Bye. See ya mom! I would walk my son to school. Say goodbye and then walk home. When I returned. Half the moms were still there all freaky and panicky. Get a grip! Don’t freak out your kids. They’re not infants. They are little people learning and growing that need a solid foundation to build their futures on. Don’t make them needy and fearful. Go home!”
-Shirley

“Mom/Dad, don’t drive them, let them take the bus, they will be fine. Explain to them how to be respectful of others, like using their inside voice, staying seated and never to eat on the bus. They are exposed to a great social interaction with their peers on the bus.”
–Matthew, a parent and bus driver from Answer The Tullyphone

Make A Friend

Walk up and say hello to another parent at drop off and get their text number or friend them on Facebook. Exchange at least a couple messages during the day, instant support.
–Kathryn from Burlington Parents

Don’t Worry… You’ll Be Fine

“You are going to be fine. It’s not them we need to worry about, they’re excited about the new backpack, the friends, the teacher, the brand new experience. They’ll be fine – it’s you, who is going to spend the day worrying, anticipating when they’re home when you can ask a million questions about how their first day went. You, you will be just fine.”
–Lori from Raising Edmonton