This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Seattle’s Best Coffee. All opinions are 100% mine.
Inside: Transitioning to a new school can be difficult for kids. In this post, learn how to help your child thrive in a new school by easing anxiety, softening the transition, and making the first day of school the Best Day of School.
“Mommy, I have butterflies in my tummy,” my oldest son confessed as we approached the entrance to his new school for Meet the Teacher Night. I tossed the canvas bag stuffed with school supplies and PTA forms over my shoulder and reached for his hand.
“Mom!”
Oh, that’s right. Fourth graders don’t hold Mommy’s hand.
I winked at him. “I do too. When I feel both excited and nervous, I get butterflies.” “Yeah. I think I’m excited and nervous too.”
We stopped at the door. “Ready to go in?” I asked.
He exhaled and replied, “Let’s do this.”
How to Help Your Child Thrive in a New School
Since my son will be “The New Kid,” it’s important to me that his first day of school is the Best Day of School. Shared below are 5 tips for making the transition to a new school smooth and stress-free.
1. Visit the School
Most schools host orientations or open houses prior to the first day of school. During this time, kids can meet their new teachers and principal, drop off supplies, tour the school, and locate bathrooms and water fountains.
Need more? Try visiting the school playground after dinner. It’s a great place to meet families and learn about your new school community.
2. Be Prepared and Get Involved
Will your child be riding a bus? Have you paid your school fees and turned in forms? Did you purchase all the items on the school supply list?
Checking tasks off your to-do list can relax your back-to-school anxiety. Calm and prepared, your cool as a cucumber feelings will rub off on your child, easing their first day of school jitters.
Becoming a classroom volunteer and joining the PTA will help you meet other active families. Before school started, I joined our new school’s PTA group on Facebook and signed our family up to help weed and mulch the school gardens. It was a fun way to meet new people and show that we care about our child’s school.
Volunteering made us feel like part of the school family before my son had even stepped foot in a classroom!
3. Make it Special
New shoes? Check.
48 sharpened Ticonderoga #2 Pencils? Check.
Peanut-free lunch ideas? Check.
But what your child really needs right now is some fun! That’s why I appreciate the Best Day List from Seattle’s Best Coffee. It’s packed with printable recipes, crafts, and lunchbox notes to ensure that the first day of school is a memorable day bubbling with positivity, laughter, and love.
While you’re there, don’t forget to print or download your $1 off coupon for smooth-tasting Seattle’s Best Coffee®. Upgrade your cup to Seattle’s Best Coffee® for only a little more. Then you can have a Best Day of School too!
Tip: Kids are managing a whirlwind of emotions on the first day of school. Don’t stress them out by trying to shoot the perfect back to school picture just as the bus is approaching. I find it helpful to take our back to school pictures the day before the first day of school. Kids are relaxed, excited, and more likely to have fun with your photo shoot! We enjoyed using sunglasses, faux mustaches, and the free printable photo props from Seattle’s Best Coffee.
4. Chat with the School Counselor
Your child’s new School Counselor is your #1 resource for all things social-emotional. Ask your School Counselor if they host New Student Groups which are designed to help new students make friends and acclimate to the school’s culture. Some School Counselors will even arrange for a “buddy” to assist your child during their first few weeks.
Speaking of all things social-emotional, kids who understand and know how to manage their feelings are more likely to be confident, successful learners. Download The Best Day Q&A from Seattle’s Best Coffee for a list of thoughtful, positive questions designed to help your child open their heart and look forward to school.
5. Reflect
Starting a new school may be hard, but so is learning to ride a bike or sleeping away at camp for the first time. Remind your child about all the “firsts” they’ve already experienced and mastered. Doing so will help build confidence and help your child see that they are capable, courageous, and strong.
Your Turn
Has your child ever been “The New Kid?” Share your best tips for making school transitions easy and stress-free in the comments below.
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