Best tips for your child’s first day at school

A child’s first day at school can be traumatic for the child and the parents.

It need not be so though. Here are some handy tips to make the day smooth sailing:

• Your child might be nervous but unable to communicate it. Create a secret signal that will comfort him or her. For example three squeezes of the hand might mean ‘I love you’.

• Do not give your child a drink for lunch that is difficult to open or ‘new’ or ‘strange’ food.

• At home practice eating out of a lunchbox and throwing things into a bin.

• Supply at least two telephone numbers to the teacher in case the school needs to contact you.

• Make sure all your child’s medicine is packed and that the teacher is informed about it.

• Meet and chat to at least one new parent.

• Make sure your child uses the bathroom when instructed to so in class, even if he or she is convinced they do not need to.

• Label absolutely everything.

• If possible teach your child in advance how to write his or her name.

• Empty your child’s bag everyday in case the teacher sent a note.

• Your child will possibly be tired on the first day so allow for a nap after collection.

• When you leave your child, explain you will be back to collect him or her at the place you separate.

• Do not worry if they cry. Tears are normal and it does not mean you are a ‘bad’ parent.

• Only cry when you are out of sight.