Home to School Transitioning

Posted by Connie Newbauer Sep 1, 2006

Parents sometimes demand feats of strength and endurance from a child that they, themselves are unable to do.

A child starting school goes through very much he same thing as an adult returning to work after a vacation or recovery from a long illness. It is an effort to physically and mentally make it through the day.

Think about it: Probably up until the beginning of school, you've insisted your child lay down for a brief nap in the afternoon. Unless they are attending a kindergarten that does so, there is no time to lay down and close their eyes. They are both mentally and physically stimulated just to the brink of exhaustion until they become use to the new schedule. What to do?

There is a reason for milk and cookies after school! Their little tummies need something small before dinner and they need a chance to rest before embarking on any other adventures. What they don't need is to leave the house again as soon as they return home!

From the time we bring an infant home from the hospital our schedules re-order themselves somewhat for the good of the child. Why then when the child becomes school age do we begin making adult demands on their little bodies? They have not, overnight, gained the stamina it takes to keep going like the engergizer adult!

How can we make the transition easier on both parent and child?

Have a small, nutritious snack waiting for your children when they come home from school.

Set a bed-time and keep it! If not,you'll pay through poor academic progress, behavior problems and a generally surly attitude!

Have set rituals for when the children return home, go to bed and rise in the morning. It is much easier to adjust to school (which can be very overwhelming)when the other areas of their life are ordered and predictable. The routines and rituals that work for your family naturally are what is best for your child.

When the battle rages outside, give your child the knowledge that nothing can shake the calm routine within your home!