The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Watching children leave home for their very first day of school is always an emotional time for parents. After a last goodbye, many mums and dads will spill tears of joy and pride, but sometimes those tears can be caused by anguish and worry. Leaving children in the hands of strangers is never easy. Parents must prepare themselves in advance so they can keep their composure during this big day in the lives of their children. It is helpful to establish the new routine several days before school starts. Set the alarm clock to wake up at a reasonable hour and take the time to eat breakfast with your children. Practice taking the route to school. In other words, if you get your children used to the new routine, you will probably feel reassured as well. In the last days before school starts, and after offering all the support you can give to your children, give yourself some time to catch your breath. You deserve a break after all the back-to-school rushing around. Relax in a candle-lit bubble bath, go for a walk, and distract yourself with a good book. Acknowledge your feelings without any judgment, and just try to enjoy yourself. It is okay to feel nervous, but do try to avoid becoming overwhelmed by anxiety. This would be upsetting to your children. Little boys and girls are very perceptive. By showing that they are in control of the situation, parents will help their children feel safe and self-confident. The first day of school is certainly a very special time, but it is a normal step in the life of any child. So relax, keep smiling, and, above all, be positive.
