Transitioning back to preschool after winter break
January 05, 2009
In the two weeks our children were out of school, their schedules were turned upside down with holiday parties, later bedtimes and sleeping in. Returning to preschool today was stressful for them and many of their classmates. Teachers and bus drivers agreed that most of the kids were "out of sorts" with some being more tearful and others returning to shy behavior that had disappeared after the first week of school last fall. The preschoolers were asking for their parents and siblings more than usual and struggled to get back into their routine with their teachers.
How can you help your child get through this first week back to preschool with melt downs? First, reinforce their schedule by talking about school day activities like packing backpacks, getting on the bus or riding in the car, putting coats and bags away and finding a name tag. Writing out schedules with visual cues can help young children remember what comes next which eases their nervousness. Visual schedules are great for preschoolers because they like routine and seeing what is ahead for them allows them to anticipate their next steps. When they know what comes next, kids feel more in control and less likely to get scared.
Another way to reinforce positive feelings about returning to school is by including your child in picking out snacks or other supplies needed for class. The night before school, let your child help you pick out snack, pack back packs, lay out winter wear like hats, gloves and coats and line up shoes for the morning. Including your child in planning for the next day will also increase their sense of control and can make the next morning easier.
It will likely take a few days, if not all week, for my kids to get back on their regular, school day sleep schedule. I am avoiding taking them on errands as much as possible and keeping them home where they can nap as much as needed. Earlier mornings can mean grumpier kids and groggier parents which can be a recipe for disaster. Every family member should try to catch up on missed holiday sleep this week.
After eating more heavy than usual over the hoildays, the family is returning to healthier eating and I am not feeding the kids much sugar or junk foods that spike then crash their energy. By feeding them protein, veggies and whole grains whenever possible, they have less blood sugar crashes. I find this particularly necessary right after they get home from morning preschool hungry and ready to eat lunch.
Even with extra planning and care, kids may be crabbier and more emotional than usual this first week back at school. Be prepared by anticipating some problems and regression in your kids. If they cry more than usual, ask for a comfort item you thought they had outgrown or don't want to get in the car to head to school, be gentle and explain that you understand their feelings. Talk to your preschooler about back to school fears and reinforce that you (or other caretakers) will always pick him or her up from school and home will be waiting at the end of the day. Soon, your whole family will get back into the swing of things and before you know it, spring break will be here!