If only you could go with your child to school and protect them from
bullies, cruel remarks and the
rejections and disappointments that we’ve all experienced. But in a way, you can …
You can be with and support your child in school through the
positive, encouraing words you speak to them. Those assuring and guiding words will resonate within their hearts and minds not only during their school days, but throughout their lifetime.
Thumbuddy Goes To School, like all of the books in the Thumbuddy children’s books series, uses reassuring and fortifying words to build a strong foundation of self worth within your child. Strong self worth helps kids to make good life choices, deal positively with peer pressure and approach life’s challenges with a positive outlook and
confidence.
The nurturing words within Thumbuddy children’s books strengthen the parent-child bond, so that even when they hop on the school bus and wave goodbye through the window, they’re secure and assured of your love.
Planning Helps Children Experience First Day of School Success
Two of my favorite pictures were taken the morning of my kid’s first day of kindergarten. There is something so wonderful about the first day of school that just needs to be captured on film.
I have been blessed with two sets of twins that are only two years apart in school so we get a double dose of emotions as the kids board that bus for their first day of school.
Will, my oldest boy, is rarely nervous and tackles everything with a smile and determination. He hardly said good-bye on his first day of school as he climbed the steps of the big, yellow bus he was thrilled to finally be riding. Abby, his twin, is quite a bit more shy and took a little coaxing and a few tears by both of us before she, too, climbed onto the bus that ushered in her first day of school.
My all-time favorite first day of kindergarten picture is of those two sitting in the front seat as the bus drove away with their noses smooshed against the window. By then, both kids were all smiles, and as my husband and I sat in the driveway watching our big kids pull away we were overcome with emotion. They seemed so old, and yet too young. I was so excited for them, and yet sad that our little “play dates” together had come to an end. I knew our relationship would change, but believed with my whole heart they were exactly where they were supposed to be.
Sending my second set of twins off to their first day of kindergarten brought completely different emotions. Ryan and Hailey had watched Will and Abby go to school for two years and knew exactly what they were supposed to do. There were no tears, no fears and no hesitation. They just boarded the bus, waved good-bye and went to school. My husband wasn’t there this time, I didn’t have any kids to walk back in the house with, it was just me; standing in my neighbors driveway filled with overwhelming emotions of excitement for my children, sadness for me and amazement that I was old enough to have four kids in grade school. I walked in my house and dished myself up a bowl of congratulatory ice cream!
We have experienced a lot of kindergarten success. Thanks to an amazing teacher (for all four of my kids!) and preparation ahead of time, my kids were excited and ready for their first day of kindergarten. Here are some of the ways we prepared for our first day of school and ensured kindergarten success.
1. Plan a special first day of school breakfast.
2. Pick out a new first day of school outfit.
3. Talk through their list of first day of school questions as many times as they need to.
4. Pack a note in their lunch bag.
5. Plan a special after school treat.
6. Pray!
Many children, especially those with older children, have longed for the right of passage that comes with kindergarten success. Whether your child is fearful or excited, establishing some rituals that bring both excitement and a sense of calmness to the first day of school will encourage your child to love school and enjoy the fun and success it brings.
ThumbPeople provides simple tools for parents that helps them encourage and bless their children.
Through Thumbuddy children’s books, nurturing kid’s music, preschool curriculum and soaking music that reflects God’s love for us, ThumbPeople helps families to live the abundantly blessed lives that God wants each of us to experience.
Calm First Day of School Jitters
My friend, Jen, and her children just held their annual “I can” party. I keep telling myself one of these days I am going to be organized enough to pull this off as well, but it starts all the way back in the fall before the first day of school.
At the end of summer, Jen meets one-on-one with each of her children, and they talk about how they are feeling about the upcoming first day of school and school year. They discuss what they are excited about and what fears they may have. Then they make a list. Together they create an “I can’t” list for each child. It may be something like, “I can’t tie my shoes yet” to more school specific concepts such as, “I can’t read yet.” Regardless of what it is, Jen writes it down. Then the night before the first day of school, her family has an “I can’t funeral.” They talk about what they can’t do yet an
d why they are afraid of learning it and then Jen hides the box in the top of her closet for the school year. I’m sure you can tell where this is going, but I’ll finish the story anyway.
So last night, they had their “I can party.” Jen pulls the box down from her closet and they read through the lists and celebrate everything they have learned throughout the school year. It is a very tangible, wonderful way for Jen and her children to celebrate their grade specific and kindergarten success.
The first day of kindergarten or the first day of school in any grade for the matter, can cause great anxiety for children. But preparation and planning can make the first day of school more enjoyable for all of you. Simple things like wearing a brand new first day of school outfit or shoes can make your child feel confident and special. Packing a special first day of school treat or a note in their lunch box or driving them to or from school rather than having them take the bus home will also let your children know it is a special and exciting day.
Most importantly, though, is to talk to your children. Make sure you encourage them, build up their self-esteem, let them know you love them and are proud of them regardless of how that first day of school goes. Your child is probably feeling incredible excitement and great anxiety, and the knowledge of knowing you are pleased with them will help to ease the first day of school butterflies in their tummies.
Don’t let the first day of kindergarten weigh so heavily on your child that they are unable to enjoy it. Open the lines of communication and keep them open throughout the school year. Having a successful first day of school and school year begins at home and with the parents. They can’t do it, nor should they have to do it, without your love and support.
Even though you won’t always be able to be with your children – the words that you’ve spoken to them will resonate within their heart and be there to encourage and comfort them throughout their lifetime.
The positive and encouraging words within Thumbuddy children’s books, positive kid’s music, preschool curriculum and soaking music reflecting the comforting promises of Scripture will empower your child to experience kindergarten success and success all throughout life.
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Thumbuddy Goes to School
Price: $14.95
