The beginning of the school year can be hard for young ones. Sometimes, the most difficult moment of the day is when they have to say good-bye to you. We have some great suggestions for how to make the transition into school easier.

1. Put a picture of your family in your child’s backpack. This way, you can assure your child that even if they miss you, they can look at you in school. Let your child’s teacher know, so that he/she is aware that this a strategy you are using for your child.

2. A smiley/sticker chart can be a great incentive for a child. You can make a chart, like the one shown below. Then, each morning, you can give your child a smiley face or sticker if he/she can say good-bye and get started right away.  Either way, let your child draw the smiley face or put the sticker down. It will distract them and refocus them on something else, during that hard transition. You can also add a reward to this system. For example, if your child earns at least 4 stickers throughout the week, he/she can earn something special.

Both of these tips can help during that moment that your child lets go of your hand, and transitions into their school day. Let us know if use them!

Related posts:

1. Coming up in September
2. The Backpack
3. Book of the week: Things that Go
4. 5 Best places to search for colors with your child
5. Help your child explore the science of color