Every parent wants to make the most of special moments and milestones in their children’s lives. Unlike other events like birthdays or holiday parties, though, sending your kid off to school for the first time can be a tricky proposition. Still, one thing’s for certain –– the day is going to be an emotional one. In order to prepare yourself –– and your little one –– for the school year to come, make sure to check out these four tips to ensure it’s a day to remember for all the right reasons:
Wake Up Early
If you’re nervous or excited about sending your child off to school for the first time, waking up early shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Still, make sure you go to bed early the night before to compensate for lost hours of sleep. Once you’re up, take the extra time to prepare your kid’s lunch or maybe consider making breakfast for them and the rest of your family. (Note, you can always check out some healthy cooking tips if you’re looking for a little inspiration in this matter.) A special meal is a great way to mark a special moment, after all.
Play Educational Games
Contrary to popular belief, kids love to learn. They just don’t like boring lectures or uninteresting tasks. The good news is, there are all sorts of educational board and video games that will get your child primed for their first day at school. Of course, don’t go overboard and ask them to memorize the Magna Carta or to analyze 384-well plates –– that’d be silly. Nevertheless, a little learning outside of the classroom can set your child up for success in it. And luckily for you, there are so many of these sorts of games available at places like Target, and you can visit here and see if there are any codes or coupons you can use online to get some games and start the learning fun!
Reach Out to Other Parents
When you send your child to school for the first time, they’re going to be exposed to other kids they’ve never met before. And that’s a scary and challenging prospect. Parents can be proactive in dealing with this by reaching out to other moms and dads to arrange a playdate or two in the run-up to the school year. Simply recognizing one familiar face can help your child relax and integrate into school life with ease. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to get to know other parents too!
Plan for the Picture
Naturally, the centerpiece of any child’s first day at school is the obligatory picture. If you haven’t already, pick out a spot with good lighting where you can line up your child and immortalize their first steps toward independence. You’ll definitely want to revisit this picture down the line –– so make sure you get it right!