preppy boy
a mother’s reflection
I remember our son’s first day of school like it was yesterday. Being our first born there was so much unknown and unexplored territory to discover. Preparation would be the key to our school life success so I endeavored to have healthy lunch box meals, uniforms washed and ready and give Joel responsibility in simple tasks that needed to be done before we went to school. We were all ready for his first day of school…
The day arrived but I had a butterfly feeling in my tummy, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I threw up!… Joel on the other hand was bouncing of the walls in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to get there and play with the BIG kids. Walking into the assembly area, heavy box of school stationary in my hands, I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and panic…
Looking back I am so thankful for an understanding and compassionate first year of school Prep teacher and a son whose disposition is easy going and free.
Joel’s teacher, Mrs Sonter, was a true blessing. She welcomed parents to into her classroom and later even invited us to volunteer during math lesson rotations, helping a small group of students with their learning. That first day I left the school feeling much more at ease and confident that Joel was in good hands. Just between you and me though, I did call the school at lunchtime to check in on how his morning went! No surprises here, Joel was having the time of his life!
Fast forward two years from that first day and I did it all again with our second born. The story played out very differently but I’ll keep that for another day.
In the meantime let me share what I’ve learnt on the journey:
6 recommendations on how to make the first day of school memorable:
COMMUNICATION - this is HUGE! Don’t be afraid to ask LOTS of questions. No question is a silly one. Ask for a calendar of events, about expectations or how to contact your child’s teacher. Be vulnerable, overshare (if you’re comfortable). In doing so the teacher has a better understanding of your child and their needs. Let your child’s teacher know you want to partner with them in your child’s education journey.
PREPARE - Look at what’s ahead. Eat your evening meal at the dinning room table and discuss stuff. Be positive and upbeat, even if you’re not feeling it. Mentally take the necessary steps to get into a good head space.
TRADITIONS - Brainstorm with your child a first day of school tradition. Give them free range to be creative (within reason of course). You could use our Milestone Cards printable to set up a photoshoot, go for an ice cream after you collect them or interview your child by recording or writing the answers to fun questions to document the day.
NETWORK - Get to know parents of children in your child’s class. Your child will be spending a lot of time with these kids after all. Adult conversation is good for the soul! Arrange a coffee date or dinner out every now and then. Text with an encouraging thought. Be present.
TRUST - Respect the teacher and the school you’ve chosen. Let them know you have confidence in them. Build a connection by being consistent and showing up. Be compassionate and kind, open and understanding.
KIND - To yourself. If the first day or any day after that, for that matter, goes south don’t beat yourself up. Dust off and have a re-do. Parents are learning too. Ask advice from a parent whose been there before. Its ok to be vulnerable and open up.
What other recommendations would you include? I’d love to hear from you.