Kicking off the new academic year: ensuring a great day for students
The first day of school can be a nerve-wracking experience for both children and parents. However, family psychologist Martina Stotz and parenting counselor Nora Imlau offer some practical and child-centered strategies to make the day special while minimizing stress for parents.
Tailoring Activities to the Child's Personality
For outgoing children, group activities like a scavenger hunt or a back-to-school party can be energizing. On the other hand, quieter children may find comfort in simpler, low-key projects such as making a DIY pencil holder or bookmarks.
Fostering Anticipation and Ownership
Let the child select or prepare special items for the day, such as choosing an outfit the night before, picking a favorite lunch bag, or tucking a kind note in their backpack. These small gestures can foster anticipation and ownership without requiring elaborate spending or effort.
Creative and Manageable Crafts and Games
Easy crafts like craft stick school bus magnets, math-themed pennants, or alphabet word games engage children in a fun, focused way that also helps them acclimate gradually to the classroom environment.
Promoting Emotional Self-Regulation and Confidence
Help children develop calming techniques such as deep breathing or journaling and teach respectful ways to express themselves in new or uncomfortable situations.
Balance and Positive Reinforcement
Avoid pressure or comparisons and celebrate each child’s unique temperament. Focus on their strengths and encourage problem-solving, which builds confidence and reduces anxiety at transition times.
Considering Resources and Temperament
Parents' resources such as budget, space, time, and energy should be considered when planning the first day of school event. Nora Imlau suggests focusing on loving details when resources are limited. It's important to protect the child from overstimulation on the first day of school and create a sense of security.
Keeping Celebrations Flexible
Plan activities that parents can easily prepare at home or in the classroom without stress. For example, using recycled materials for crafts or hosting informal gatherings that do not require extensive planning or expense.
A Personalized Celebration
A table with motivational cards for guests to write for the child can be a meaningful addition. Video messages from family and friends can be compiled on a phone for a personalized celebration. A homemade cake with decorative elements like sprinkles and gummy bears can make a big impact on a low budget.
Starting Small
Family and parenting counselor Martina Stotz suggests saying "Today it's just the two of us, tomorrow we'll invite your friend for ice cream" to keep the celebration small. Parents and child should discuss together the size of the event and who they want to invite.
A Special Touch
Picture frames for self-design with the first day of school date can create special memories. Handmade table decorations and garlands can turn any bench into a festive table. Martina Stotz suggests painting the school path with motivational words using sidewalk chalk.
After the School Ceremony
After the school ceremony, it's important to go home with close family first, unpack school bags in peace, and enjoy a favorite meal. Saving some energy for the following days is also advised.
Regional Traditions
Parents should educate themselves about how the first day of school is traditionally celebrated in their region, especially if they have recently moved. It's not over the top to celebrate the first day of school with a restaurant visit or party, depending on the region.
Facing the Pressure to Compare
Parents can confidently face the constant pressure to compare and agree on a celebration with their child that suits their family. A shy, sensitive child might be overwhelmed by a big party, while an active child might enjoy a bouncy castle or scavenger hunt.
By following these strategies, both children and parents can feel prepared, joyful, and calm on the first day of school.
Not less than € 5 can be spent on a DIY pencil holder or bookmarks to help make the first day of school a special and low-key project for quieter children, contributing to their lifestyle.
In the spirit of regional traditions, parents can consider a restaurant visit or party to celebrate the first day of school, depending on the norms of their home-and-garden region, promoting education-and-self-development.
