A Tear Free First Day at Reception

Mums Tips

Schooling

Published on Monday, 18 August 2014 12:00

Last Updated on 04 September 2017

Suparna Dhar

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Starting school is a milestone for both you and your child. It is a big change where you will have to start a routine, go to school every day, get used to a new and larger environment and wear uniform. While it is an exciting time, 5 years ago on my daughter’s first day in Reception she started playing and I burst into tears! So here are my top tips on how to prepare both mentally and physically for your child’s first day which I will be following this September when my son starts Reception.

 

 

1 Talk about how much fun they are going to have at school, the activities they will do e.g. playing in the playground, singing and listening to stories. Also talk about any friends they may know going to the same school and share any photos you have of your first day at school as it reassures them that they are not the only ones going through this process.

 

2. Empower your child by focusing on some important areas such as practicing their teacher’s name, learning numbers and the alphabet, writing their name, changing their uniform and putting on their PE kit. This will not only make your child feel more confident but it will also help you feel more reassured.

 

3. Check how the uniform fits and make adjustments to it, if your sewing skills are not up to it go on You Tube for demonstrations. Seeing your child in uniform will help you mentally prepare for accepting your child has reached a milestone and will help your child get used to how the uniform feels.

 

4 Practice the school run, as in the rush hour you may need to add another 10 minutes onto the journey and you don’t want to be late on your first day! Also remember to allow time for putting other children into car seats/buggies, sunscreen/hats and coats. Again all these little things help you and your child feel more confident and relaxed as the big day approaches.

 

 

5 A week before school starts draw up a routine. Slowly start following the routine as this will help you get used to it and get organised. For more information on how to set up a good school routine you can read here.

 

6. The day before the big day arrives make sure your camera is ready, plan what you and any other children are going to wear, make sure you know the time for drop off and pick up, any snacks/lunch you may need to provide and what you are going to say when you say good bye so that you both feel relatively calm.

 

7. On the day, wake up early, stay calm, stay positive and remember the morning routine in the first few weeks is not always going to go to plan and then off you all go.

 

I hope you and your child have a happy and smooth first day!

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