Knowledge is Power!
“My daughter starts kindergarten this month. I have a class roster so we can learn her classmates’ names – most of whom she doesn’t know – in advance. Knowledge is power. This works for prepping children for surgery, too.â€
Dr. Nina L. Shapiro, Associate Professor, Pediatric Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat), UCLA
Talk with your children about what is expected of them at school. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn; D.W’s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown; and What to Expect at Preschool by Heidi Murkoff and Laura Rader are favorites of Westside moms who are preparing their tykes for their first day of school.
“Parents should be prepared for transition issues AFTER the first week of school. It’s not uncommon for children to react to this life change by having difficulty with separation and sleep issues, toileting accidents and emotional outbursts.â€
Donna Holloran, MSW
(www.babygroupvideo.com)
Watch Out!
“Some students have trouble getting back into the daily routine of studying and homework. We – parents, teachers, tutors – have obligation to encourage and empower them to focus on their organizational skills as part of their adjustment to a new school year.â€
Ellen Richards, (www.ellened.com)
“Teachers are wonderful people; they care for children for a living. But, they aren’t usually trained in the issues of adoption and most lesson plans aren’t designed to include these. As is the case with any child with a special “thing†– whether it is an issue, talent or need — parents have got to keep their child’s special perspective on their radar.â€
Adam Pertman, Executive Director, Evan B. Donaldson Institute (www.adoptioninstitute.org)
Comfort is King!
We advise parents to stock their child’s closet with classic brands. Let them define their own style with accessories. This should streamline your morning routine and keep your kids comfortable.
Heather Whitney (www.poppystores.com)
Perspective!
“It serves parents well to remember that just like grown-ups kids can get the blues when transitioning back to work after a lovely vacation. Be kind and patient with their struggles and offer validation for their very normal feelings.â€
Pamela Varady, Psy.D (www.askdrvarady.com)
Listen to your kids. They’ll tell you how they need to be helped to adjust to a new school year. And remember, like most trials of parenthood, this too shall pass.
