First Days
Parents are expected to remain with their child as long as the child really needs
them on the first day. It is wise to arrive early on your child's first day.
Readiness for school does not come easily to all children, and age is not a
good predictor of readiness for separation. Some very young children will be
ready to be independent right way, causing parents to feel a bit rejected!
(It helps to remember that this is a sign of confidence and independence in the child.)
Sometimes parting is easy at first week, then later the child clings to
you when you expect to leave. The child has realized that you are going to be
gone for a considerable time, and has learned to understand what his new schedule
is all about. This turn of events is not a cause for worry -- it's another
of the many milestones in the lifelong process of separation from parents.
Please prepare your child in the weeks before starting by talking about the program,
always mentioning that you will return and take him home. Read books such as
The Runaway Bunny, You Go Away, Will I have a Friend, Everything Changes,
Going to Day Care. Visit your children's library and ask for books on separation
and going to school. Take photos of the Center and teachers to keep at home.
Bring photos of yourself and family to keep at the Center.
Whatever the child's feelings on the first day, or any day, it is best to
accept and respect their honest expression of these feelings.
"It's okay to cry..." The teachers will support you when you are ready to depart,
and to help your child deal with the upsetting feelings.
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