Taylor Provine
K-State News and Communication Services
MANHATTAN — A child walking into a school for the first time or transitioning to secondary education can experience a wide range of emotions, which can be overwhelming for both them and their parents.Jessica Lane, associate professor of counseling in Kansas State University's special education, counseling and student affairs department, says parents can start preparing now to help support their children and navigate their emotions throughout the transition.
Set your child up fK-State News and Communication Servicesor success by showing excitement, familiarizing them with the situationLane says that parents should understand that when kids are starting kindergarten or secondary education, there will be a lot of feelings — such as excitement and nervousness — both from the parent's perspective and the child's perspective. Kids can pick up on the feelings from the adults in their lives, so Lane advises that parents should try to make the experience as positive as possible for the child and show excitement for the new situation whenever possible. She also recommends that parents learn as much as they can about the school and help their child get familiar with it all, too.
Once they begin the new school experience, Lane says children may come home and fall asleep early, perhaps even before dinnertime, because of all of the new experiences and structured time at school. While that's ok, she says getting into a routine and having a set bedtime will be helpful for children, especially as they experience those first few weeks of school.
Have open communication with the school and check in with your student
Lane encourages parents to have an open door of communication with their child's teacher and recognize that the school and the family are on the same team."Teachers, counselors and everyone within the school want to see your child be successful," Lane said. "If you are feeling that there are challenges, reach out early. Contact the teacher or the counselor after the first couple of weeks."