1. BE PREPARED. You can start your day on the right foot by making your morning at home as smooth as possible. Be prepared the night before by packing your child's lunch and choosing their outfit, as well as planning breakfast for the next day.
2. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, and it's absolutely true! It is important to eat breakfast before school or daycare in order to prevent lunchtime meltdowns caused by hunger.
3. LEAVE HOME 5-10 MINUTES EARLY. It is common for parents to walk their children into their classroom to make them feel more comfortable about attending school or daycare. Arriving early allows you to avoid stressing about what time it is and if you may be late.
4. AVOID ACTIONS THAT CAUSE SEPARATION ANXIETY.
When you drop your kids off at school or daycare, it is normal to feel sad, but try not to tell them you will miss them. Separation anxiety can result from such actions, making drop-off time more difficult. Tips for coping with separation anxiety can be found in this blog post.
5. DON'T FORGET THEIR FAVORITE ITEMS. Especially for young children, you don't want them to start the day off with their favorite toy left at home. To help them get through the day, ensure they have their favorite toy, book, or blanket.
. 6. EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT EARLY, STILL PLAN TO BE ON TIME. Be sure to arrive when the teacher expects your child, as teachers plan their days carefully. Children who miss part of class may feel embarrassed or lost, which can negatively affect their attitude toward school. 7. TRUST THE TEACHER. If your child has trouble separating, leave them in the care of the teacher. Teachers are great at comforting students, which can help build a positive relationship between them and their teachers.
How do you prepare for bringing your children to school or daycare? Are you able to prepare the night before or just wing it the day of? We'd love to hear what you do!