Hello Moms and Dads,
In most of our school districts, classes started this week, and with it, the change in family routine. For some parents and children, the first day of school is stressful, especially if it is the first time they are in a school setting, or if we have to leave them in a nursery in the care of others; usually both, parent and child will experience anxiety when separating, what can you do to make it better? You may want to stay in the classroom or daycare for some time, to make sure your child is doing well, but as a mother and teacher, I know that prolonging your stay, it has the opposite effect, it makes separation more difficult; teachers and caregivers know how to comfort and redirect children's attention to integrate them into the school routine; instead of extending your stay in the classroom, you can reaffirm your child that you love him/her, that you are leaving them in a safe place and that you will return later to pick them up. In most cases by the time you arrive at the parking lot, your child will have calmed down.
It is also possible that your child is happy to go to school, and does not give you a second look when saying goodbye, that does not mean that your child does not need you, but it means that they are ready to explore a new environment, to meet new people, and to have new experiences.
Older children, they no longer want us to take them by the hand or say goodbye with a kiss, they are growing and claiming their independence, and that is excellent, right? My 11-year-old son longed to find in his class schedule an art class he would like to attend, but it did not happen, he felt disappointed, so in order not to see him sad, we went to his school to ask to be reassigned from woodshop to an art class; the secretary looked at me condescendingly and told me "Mrs. Sanchez, your son has to advocate for himself." He filled a paper to make an appointment with his counselor to request the change. Certainly, sometimes, as parents, we find it difficult to let our children do things for themselves, lesson learned!
Are there teenagers at home? This article will give you some practical suggestions on how to assign them responsibilities according to their age and abilities.
So after the transition to a new routine, to hurry from school, to daycare, soccer practice, ballet, and many other activities, such as buying things from the list of supplies sent to us from school, filling out forms, and going to and from work, the weekend comes to relax a bit and do family activities. Don't forget to go to the farmers market to get fresh produce, pies, flowers, or to enjoy your coffee by the fountain, there is a community resource fair planned for this Saturday, or you can choose to watch movies at the Burrows Theater or in the park, perhaps enjoying art on the street, or taking your children to get free vision and hearing checkups, as well as information on child development. Check the daily events on the website, there is plenty of fun things to do throughout the community. Share the list of events with your family and friends, or submit an event if it is not listed.
High temperatures will continue, stay hydrated and indoors as much as possible; if you want to venture into the kitchen with your children, prepare a delicious strawberry chicken salad wrap, or learn 7 ways to get your kids to eat healthy.
Find your family fun! Until next Friday!
