The New School Year
Establishing a positive morning routine:
Most parents expect to offer lots of guidance with kindergarteners, but the
expectation for older kids is that they should move through the morning in a
timely fashion. Unfortunately, some children need remedial lessons for
getting out the door on time without resistance. At the beginning of the
school year think of yourself as the "getting out the door" coach. You're
right there helping with socks, shoes, putting toothpaste on toothbrushes,
handing each child their backpacks and lunch boxes as they walk out the door.
As the days go by, you'll back off and give only verbal and visual
cues: "It's time to get your socks on; I'll watch you do it. You did it all
by yourself; good for you." By thoughtfully withdrawing your support, you
give your children the opportunity to grasp hold of their responsibilities.
Popular books for those first days of school:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Little Cliff's First Day of School